Most of us know to avoid foods like candy and other sugary treats to reduce our risk of developing tooth decay. But you may not know that the wrong beverages can also compromise your oral health. Here are a few tips on which drinks are tooth-friendly and which ones are not.
Tooth-Friendly Drinks
- Water: Believe it or not, plain old water is great for your oral health. If it’s fluoridated, which is the case in many cities across the US, it’s even better. Water not only helps rinse away any leftover food particles; it also helps to restore the pH balance inside your mouth. If you’re drinking fluoridated water, that fluoride helps to fight tooth decay.
- Milk: You may not be surprised to learn that drinking milk is great for your oral health. The calcium in dairy products helps to strengthen teeth, and a protein called casein fights cavities.
- Vegetable juice: The vitamins contained in veggies are great for your teeth and gums. Just make sure that the vegetable juice you choose is low in sugar.
Drinks that are NOT Tooth-Friendly
- Sodas: Many of us have heard about how bad sugary sodas are for our overall health. But they’re also bad for our teeth and gums. In fact, it’s fair to say that sugary sodas are the worst thing you could drink when it comes to your oral health. Not only does the sugar contribute to higher risk of tooth decay, but the acidity in carbonated sodas eats away at the enamel on your teeth.
- Fruit juice: If you think that fruit juice is healthy, think again. Many packaged juices have high levels of sugar. That, combined with the acidity of the fruit, wreaks havoc with your teeth and gums. If you choose to drink fruit juice, just do so in moderation and select a brand with no added sugar.
- Sports drinks: Equally bad for your teeth as soda and fruit juice are sports drinks. Most of these beverages are extremely high in sugar and salt. Sports drinks increase your risk of tooth decay and can damage your enamel if you drink them often.
If you’re trying to eat foods that contribute to healthy teeth and gums, good for you! But don’t forget that what you drink can have just as much of an impact on your oral health as what you eat. Be sure to choose your drinks carefully and remember: water, milk and veggie juice are the best!
