We tend to watch which drinks pass our lips based on how they will affect our waistlines. But not many people pay attention to how certain beverages impact our teeth. Unfortunately, there are a lot of drinks out there that seem healthy at first glance, but can damage your pearly whites. However, a dentist in Springfield is here to set the record straight and talk about how eight popular beverages can help or hurt your teeth.
1. Wine
You’ve probably heard that red wine can stain your pearly whites, but white wine is actually no better for your dental health. White wine is actually more acidic, meaning it can more easily destroy your enamel and leave your teeth susceptible to staining and sensitivity.
2. Fruit Juice
Most fruit juices are highly concentrated, meaning they expose you to much more acid than if you were to eat the fruit in its natural form. To minimize the corrosive effect on your teeth, dilute the fruit juice with 50 percent water.
3. Sparkling Water
This drink may not seem harmful, but one study out of the University of Birmingham showed that sparkling water has a pH of between 2.74 and 3.34. This gives sparkling water a higher acidic content than even orange juice.
4. Coffee
A cup of morning joe might be staining your teeth, but one study from the Journal of Conservative Dentistry suggested that drinking coffee without any sweeteners might actually prevent cavities from developing. So, if you’re going to drink coffee, drink it black. To lessen the staining effect, sip the beverage through a straw.
5. Milk
Milk is chock full of proteins and minerals like calcium which enrich your teeth. They also inhibit the growth and attachment of many bacteria in your mouth. Milk is a great way to keep your pearly whites healthy and strong.
6. Soda
You might think that diet soda is better for your teeth than its sugary counterpart, but science says otherwise. There is actually no difference in enamel erosion between sugary and sugarless soft drinks. Although, scientists have noted that root beer is generally the least harmful of all sodas.
7. Tea
This beverage can have a variety of effects on your teeth, depending on the type of tea you’re drinking. Brewed teas are usually not that acidic. Green tea may even promote healthy gums. Iced teas, however, become more acidic and are full of sugar that can cause decay.
8. Fruit Punch
Most drinks that are labeled “fruit punch” are not actual fruit juice. Instead, they are mostly high fructose corn syrup. The high sugar content attracts bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities.
Most of the damage from acidic drinks can be minimized by using a straw. This will lessen direct contact with the teeth. Also, you shouldn’t brush your teeth immediately after consuming anything acidic. Always wait at least half an hour, as your enamel has been softened and brushing could do more harm than good.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Tolliver graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas’ dental school. He was then accepted into a residency program for Advanced Education in General Dentistry. This program featured extensive training in cosmetic smile design, implant dentistry, and advanced prosthetic restorations. To learn more about how your diet affects your oral health, contact Dr. Tolliver’s practice at (417) 887-5757.