Oral hygiene and dental care are influential to a healthy smile, but there are other factors that can influence your teeth and gums. Believe it or not, the beverages you choose can impact your oral health. If you enjoy a carbonated drink to cool down or a glass of wine after a long day, your dentist in Medford warns you may be putting your teeth at risk of complications. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best drinks to keep your smile healthy.
What Beverages are Bad for My Teeth?
Staying hydrated is important, but there are 3 beverages you may want to skip to protect your smile:
- Wine: You’ve probably heard red wine can stain your teeth, which is true, but you may want to avoid white wine instead. White wine is more acidic than red. As a result, it will erode your enamel quicker. Not only does this increase your risk of tooth decay and sensitivity, but it can also cause discoloration. As your enamel thins, more of your yellowish dentin is exposed. This can make your smile darken quicker than the stains caused by red wine.
- Carbonated Beverages: Sparkling water and soda may taste great, but they are acidic, so they can wear down your enamel. Even if you choose low-sugar carbonated sodas, they can still harm your teeth. If you can’t avoid them, it’s best to drink through a straw and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
- Alcohol: Alcohol alone will not hurt your enamel; however, most adult beverages are mixed with juice or soda. Their high sugar content increases your risk of tooth decay. Since alcohol causes dry mouth, this can promote harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, or bad breath.
What Beverages are Good for My Teeth?
Water is always the best choice when it comes to staying hydrated. It’s recommended you drink tap water when possible because it contains fluoride. You’ll strengthen your enamel without causing any damage to your smile. You can add a couple of slices of fruit to your water for a little splash of flavor.
Besides water, you may also want to grab a cup of coffee. Although coffee is known to stain your teeth, one study found it can also lower your risk of tooth decay. The study found people who drank black coffee had fewer cavities than those who chose other beverages but be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water to prevent stains.
Choose Smart Beverages
Besides the foods you eat, the drinks you choose are equally influential to your oral health. Pick your beverages carefully to keep your smile healthy.
About Dr. Anthony Giamberardino
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino is committed to helping his patients achieve optimal wellness through healthy smiles. He focuses on prevention to keep your teeth and gums healthy. With the right diet, oral hygiene habits, and dental care, your smile can last for a lifetime. Contact our office today to invest in your oral health.