Maintaining a vibrant smile goes beyond regular brushing and flossing; it also involves making mindful choices about what we consume. Coffee drinks and sodas may be tasty, but they can also have an impact on the health of your smile!
Here, we’ve outlined what makes a beverage harmful to your smile, and ways to decrease damage when sipping.
Drinks that harm dental health
Certain qualities make drinks more harmful to our smiles than others. Here are some of the types of beverages and ingredients to watch out for when picking what to sip.
- High sugar content: Carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks and sugary fruit juices are notorious for their high sugar content. Sugar breeds harmful bacteria in our mouths, leading to acid production that erodes enamel and promotes cavities.
- High acidity: Citrus juices, lemonades and certain herbal teas may be refreshing, but their high acidity levels can weaken enamel, making teeth susceptible to decay and sensitivity. If drinking highly acidic beverages, try to wash it down with water to avoid further damage to your teeth.
- Darkly colored beverages: Coffee, black tea and red wine may stain your teeth over time. Excessive consumption of any dark-colored beverages can lead to a buildup of surface stains.
Smart sipping tips
Yes, we know a lot of the drinks that are bad for your smile are also enjoyable. It’s completely alright to indulge in the above beverages every now and then. If you do, here’s some smart sipping tips to help protect your smile.
- Use a straw: When drinking acidic or sugary beverages, using a straw can help minimize direct contact with your teeth, reducing the risk of enamel erosion and staining.
- Rinse with water: After consuming a tooth-staining or acidic drink, rinse your mouth with water. This helps neutralize acids and wash away residual sugars.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Regardless of what you drink, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine by brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day is essential to protect your teeth from any potential damage.
To schedule your next dental visit with Jackson Dental, call (573) 243-5200 or stop by our office at 3100 E Jackson Blvd., Jackson, Mo.