Healthy Drinks For Healthy Teeth
With the warm weather on the horizon in New Jersey, beachgoers, runners, and people who enjoy the outdoors are going to be grabbing their favorite thirst quenching drinks when the hot weather hits. Depending on your activity of choice, your first instinct may be to grab a sports drink, soda, or alcoholic beverage that is filled with sugar. Oftentimes, we think about the sugary foods that we are consuming and don’t realize that certain beverages are just as unhealthy for your oral health.
High sugar isn’t the only factor in beverages that is cause for concern. The dyes in certain drinks such as red wine, coffee, and soda can cause severe and permanent staining on the teeth that can only be remedied by professional tooth whitening treatment. Another concern is the acid level in drinks that can destroy and wear down the enamel, or outer shell, on your teeth. While enjoying one of these drinks on occasion is a special treat, it is best not to drink them every day.
Healthy Drink Choices
Water
While not the most exciting choice of beverage, water is essential to your oral health as well as your overall health. Water helps hydrate the mouth and helps in the production of saliva. It is extremely beneficial in washing away lingering bacteria in the mouth.
Carbonated Water
This form of water was originally thought to cause harm to the teeth; however, research shows that carbonated water without any added sugar reacts the same on the teeth as regular water. The problem with this beverage begins when sugary flavors or citrus are added.
Milk
This dairy drink is full of calcium that can help strengthen the teeth and prevent gum disease. High calcium is also the reason that when a tooth is knocked out, we recommend placing it in a cup of milk while you are waiting to see the dentist.
We want to make sure our patients in Spotswood, NJ 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.
