We all do our best to limit how many sugary snacks we eat in order to reduce the risk of developing cavities. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on what you drink, too. Certain beverages can be great for oral health, and others can lead to dental problems. Let’s see what your dentist in Kettering has to say about the best and worst drinks for teeth.
The Best Beverages to Protect Teeth
When you’re searching for drinks to quench your family’s thirst, there are a few choices that clearly outweigh other options.
- Water
Water is the best choice for dental health as well as overall body health. It contains no sugar so you don’t have to worry about teeth bathing in sugar anytime you drink it. Water also helps keep your mouth hydrated and encourages saliva production which can rinse away bacteria and neutralize acids.
- Milk
Milk has three ingredients that help support strong teeth – calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. This trio not only helps strengthen teeth but can also help replace lost minerals in teeth. Milk also contains caseins, a protein that forms a protective barrier on teeth to keep bacteria and acids away. However, your Kettering dentist recommends serving milk with meals and encourages enjoying it in one sitting. Since milk does contain sugar, it’s important to not sip on milk over a long period of time.
- Unsweetened Dairy Alternatives
Not everyone can tolerate dairy products like milk. If this is the case for you or someone in your family, don’t worry. They can still get similar benefits from alternative kinds of milk such as soy, rice, oat, almond, or coconut milk. Choose a brand that has added calcium.
- Unsweetened Fruit Juice
Fruit juices are one of the beverages that toe the line between being good and bad for teeth. However, be careful when looking for fruit juice and keep an eye out for 100% fruit juice with no added sugar. That’s what you should pick. Make sure to only drink juice when you can enjoy it in one sitting and wait 20-30 minutes before brushing your teeth after drinking it.
The Worst Beverages for Teeth
There are some common drinks that aren’t good for teeth. These options are usually packed with sugar or are highly acidic. Some of the worst drink choices include:
- Fruit Juice
Yes, we know we just listed fruit juice as an acceptable drink for teeth, but most commercial fruit juices contain a lot of added sugar. Steer clear of juice that isn’t 100% fruit juice or has added sugar.
- Soda
Perhaps the worst drink for teeth is soda. Soda or pop is loaded with sugar and is also acidic. This packs a double punch and can weaken tooth enamel and make cavities more likely. Even brands with artificial sweeteners can be detrimental to dental health. Your dentist in Kettering recommends enjoying soda only on occasion and drinking it in one sitting. You can also swish and rinse with water after drinking soda to help wash away sugar and acids.
- Sports Drinks
If you have a really active family, you may think a sports drink is a great choice to help rehydrate. However, these beverages contain sugar and acid, which we know can cause problems. When in doubt, always choose water.
What you eat and drink can absolutely affect your oral health. Choosing options that are low in sugar and acid can do wonders in keeping teeth cavity-free.
