Staying hydrated with water can be a struggle when you prefer other delicious beverages. While popular and tasty drinks aren’t always terrible for your oral health, there are some that are worse than others. Taking care of your mouth means more than brushing and flossing every day. Foods and drinks that you consume also have a drastic impact on the formation of common issues like cavities and gum disease. Read on to learn about some popular beverages that you shouldn’t drink excessively.
Wine
While drinking a glass of red wine a day has been shown to offer health benefits for your body, consuming too much wine can cause problems for your teeth since it’s so acidic. Whether your wine of choice is red or white, both contain enough acid to deteriorate tooth enamel, leaving your pearly whites vulnerable to decay and infection. Next time you sip on a glass of wine, drink a cup of water afterward to help neutralize any acids in your mouth and wash the stain-causing tannins away. Also, be sure to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to protect your softened enamel from erosion.
Flavored Coffee
A study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry found that drinking black, plain coffee can protect your teeth from cavities. However, when you introduce sugary flavorings like syrups, it completely eliminates the oral health benefits it has to offer. Instead, you create an ideal environment for oral bacteria to thrive in. If you indulge in delicious flavored coffees every now and then, just be sure to brush your teeth afterward to clear any harmful substances away.
Carbonated Beverages
Similar to wine, carbonated beverages are acidic, some of them even contain high amounts of added sugar. The acidity can be rough on your enamel, softening it and causing it to erode, while the sugar can aid in the development of cavities. If you’re craving a carbonated drink, sparkling water is your best choice. Whenever you have the choice, drink it through a straw to prevent it from coming into direct contact with your teeth.
Alcoholic Beverages
Beer is the most acidic alcoholic beverage there is, due to a combination of fermentation, yeast, sugars, and wheats, which are all harsh on the enamel. Not only can these be rough on your gut health, but they can also increase your risk of experiencing oral health problems. Because most drinks made with hard liquor are mixed with sweet fruit juices and flavorings, it’s best to avoid these as well. To reduce the chances that your night cap will impact your oral health, wait 30 minutes until after you drink it to brush your teeth, and try mixing your drinks with plain, tonic, or soda water instead.
Many people consume these beverages but are unaware of how it will impact the health of their teeth and gums. Now that you know why they can harm your pearly whites, you can take precautionary measures to protect your mouth from cavities and gum disease.
About the Author
Dr. Christy Cox is passionate about providing each of her patients with high-quality dental treatments in an environment where they feel welcomed and comfortable. She enjoys giving patients of all ages the tools and services they need to maintain beautiful and healthy smiles for years to come. She also places a special emphasis on thorough preventive care, so she can keep her patients from developing severe oral health issues down the road. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit Artistry Smile Center’s website or call 614-451-7393.