We all are aware that drinks play a significant role in our lives, whether we’re grabbing a coffee on our way to work in the morning or enjoying a cocktail after dinner. But most people don’t pay much attention to the foods and drinks they consume daily.
Dental care extends beyond regular brushing, flossing, and regular visits to a dentist. It is all about avoiding harmful behaviors that harm your teeth, such as smoking, drugs, and certain meals and beverages. Indeed, your oral health may be influenced by the drinks you consume. In this article, we have gathered the top six worst drinks for your teeth.
1. Sweet soda
Sugar and acid are two of the most damaging substances to our teeth, and carbonated beverages are high in both. Sugar is detrimental because the nasty bacteria in our mouths consume it and produce acid on our teeth, and when we drink anything acidic, we effectively bypass the middleman and apply the acid to our teeth ourselves.
At a pH of 5.5, tooth enamel begins to erode, and soft drinks range in acidity from RC Cola at 2.32 to Canada Dry Club Soda at 5.24. Even diet Coke isn’t significantly less acidic than its sugary version.
2. Energy drinks
Energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages, but they are bad for your health in general and your teeth in particular. They are high in sugars, which cause tooth decay. Energy drinks also contain a number of additional substances that decrease your body’s ability to resist the bacteria that is eroding your enamel.
3. Wine
The erosive acid in red and white wine weakens your enamel and makes your teeth more susceptible to decay. Tannins in red wine can also dry out your mouth and discolor your teeth. When drinking wine, be sure to drink lots of water and think about brushing your teeth beforehand.
By doing so, you’ll be able to lessen the plaque buildup on your teeth and give the tannins less to adhere to. Remember to clean your teeth at least 30 minutes after drinking a glass of wine since acids soften the enamel and you can damage it.
4. Sports drinks
Sports drinks are beverages created for athletes who require fluids and electrolytes when exercising. These sports beverages are loaded with sugar, acids, and artificial sweeteners. Together, these elements may cause enamel erosion over time. It’s crucial to keep in mind that consuming these types of beverages for a long period of time is harmful to your teeth.
5. Fruit juices
Natural fruit juices may supply your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals. They may, however, contain huge amounts of acid that are detrimental to tooth enamel. The acidity will be determined by the type of fruit juice used. Citrus juices such as orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime are the most acidic.
Fruits with varying levels of acid include cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, and apples. If you consume juice on a regular basis, it will destroy your enamel and weaken your teeth. Fruit juices also include natural and artificial sweeteners, which are used by bacteria to produce additional acid.
6. Coffee
Do you have a cup of coffee to start your day? If you answered yes, you’re like many other Americans, but did you know that your beloved cup of joe is one of the worst things you can drink for your oral health? Coffee contains a lot of acids, which erode your enamel. Sugar in coffee can contribute to cavities. Coffee also stains teeth and is a diuretic, which means it can dehydrate your body and mouth. This causes dry mouth and increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
