How Beverages Can Negatively Affect Your Oral Health

With the hot summer weather, you have probably been enjoying some nice, cold beverages to keep you hydrated and refreshed. Do you stop every day and get an iced coffee with special syrups and flavoring from your local coffee shop? Or perhaps your child plays sports, and you give them sports drinks to cool off. You may be surprised to learn that your beverage of choice could be damaging to your teeth and mouth. Unfortunately, some beverages, such as sports drinks, flavored iced coffees, juices, and soft drinks, often have more sugar than some candy bars!

Sugary Drinks and Your Teeth

It is not unusual for people to be surprised at the amount of sugar in their favorite beverages. Juice is a perfect example. Most of us are under the impression that fruit juice must be healthy. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Many types of juice and juice drinks are loaded with sugar. Each time you drink something with sugar, a certain amount remains on your teeth. Over time, the sugar will turn to acid and begin to eat away at the enamel of your teeth. This also happens with beverages that are acidic and have a lot of carbonation, such as seltzers and soft drinks. You may also be surprised to learn that dark-colored beverages, such as red wine, dark colas, and teas can stain your teeth.

Drink Plenty of Water

It is important that everyone drink plenty of water each and every day. Water is not only helpful for your overall health but for your oral health as well. Water helps your saliva rid the mouth of food and bacteria that can develop into plaque. If you are not able to brush your teeth after each meal, drinking water can help rinse your mouth.

We want to make sure our patients in Fort Lee, NJ and the surrounding area not only get the best dental care possible but are also informed and educated on how to keep their teeth healthy. Please call our office if you have questions or want more information on how you can achieve great dental health.