You may have heard that coffee stains your teeth, but did you know there are several other beverages that can harm your teeth? Brush and floss all you want, but the beverages you consume may counteract your oral care.  However, on the bright side, there are drinks that can help take care of a beautiful smile.

Drinks that Promote Oral Health:

Water

• Naturally rinses your mouth and best rids it of food debris
• Surprisingly, tap water contains fluoride which reduces risk of cavities
• Water also reduces the risk of dry mouth, which can increase tooth decay

Milk

• Contains calcium and phosphates that protect tooth enamel
• Reduces acid in the mouth such as what forms from sugary foods
• A healthier alternative to sugary drinks

Green and Black Tea

• The herbs in these teas contain polyphenols that attack harmful bacteria
• Can help reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities
• Is non-erosive, so it won’t encourage the demineralization that weakens enamel

Drinks that can be Harmful to Your Teeth:

Citrus Beverages

• Contain high acidity that are harmful to your tooth enamel
• Increases the risk of tooth erosion
• Citrus drinks often have added sugar

Coffee/Espresso

• Stains the teeth
• High acidity levels increase bacteria and risk of gum disease
• Hot drinks open the teeth’s pores, making them more vulnerable to damage

Soda Pop

• Contains high acidity that will increase the chances of tooth decay and gum disease
• The high sugar content multiplies the effects of the acidity levels

How to Minimize the Damage of Harmful Drinks:

We recognize that most people are not going to stop consuming drinks that can be harmful for our teeth.  Drinking these harmful beverages in moderation is a great start but there are some other things you can do to reduce the potential damage they cause.

Drink these beverages in one sitting rather than sipping throughout the day. After consumption, rinse your mouth with water, and brush your teeth within an hour of finishing the drink. Using a straw can also help.

Being aware of how beverages can help or harm your teeth will help you to make informed choices.  And although it’s unlikely that you will never drink coffee again, knowing how to mitigate the risks and to make better choices will help keep your mouth healthy.

If you have more questions about maintaining a healthy smile, please feel
free to contact us online or call 312.943.6444. We’d be happy to arrange an
appointment to discuss all your oral health needs.

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