7 Drinks That Can Impact Your Dental Health

Sodas

Sugar is the enemy of good dental hygiene. And sodas are a prime offender. Sugar feeds the bacteria that live in your mouth, leading to the production of plaque, which can lead to cavities over time. Help your mouth by cutting down on sodas where you can. But if you can’t kick the habit, be sure to brush thoroughly twice each day, with regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings.

Energy drinks

Sugar, sugar, and more sugar: that’s what you’ll find in many energy drinks. And in the same vein as sodas, that’s bad news for your dental health. If you can’t say no to an energy drink here and there, keep your teeth in mind and be attentive to your brushing and flossing after you sip one.

Sugary drinks in general

Yes, sugary drinks are some of the biggest offenders all around when it comes to oral health. And sugar lurks where you might not expect it. Fruit juices, sports drinks, sweetened coffee, sugary tea, and fruit punch all contain a lot of sugar that isn’t great for your teeth when you have it in excess. Next time you’re grocery shopping or picking up a drink at the convenience store, check the ingredients to see how much sugar is hiding there.

Alcoholic beverages

Alcohol already has a number of negative health side effects. But drinking a lot of alcoholic beverages isn’t ideal for your mouth, either. Aside from the fact that many cocktails come with a sugary hit (there’s that sugar again), they can also have other impacts. Alcohol dries out your mouth, which can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other complications in the long run if you overindulge. As with most items on this list, enjoy these drinks in moderation, and be sure to drink some water when you do.

Black coffee

It’s not that you have to cut out everything in life that gets you through the day. But it’s good to keep in mind what impacts it can have on your smile. Drinking acidic black coffee in the morning can erode your tooth enamel and lead to discoloration over time because of the tannins found in it. Drink coffee in moderation, and consider sipping it through a straw to protect your teeth from discoloration. And you might want to wait 30 minutes after drinking coffee before you brush your teeth.

Fluoridated water

Not all impacts are bad, after all. Fluoridated water is a great hydration option, and it can help protect your teeth, too. See if your local government fluoridates the public water supply. If they don’t, you may want to speak to your dentist at your next appointment about fluoride treatment. But keep sipping drinking water either way to stay hydrated.

Green tea

Another great beverage to sip, unsweetened green tea brings many benefits to your mouth. Antioxidants help reduce your risk for disease overall. And green tea itself contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth. So whether you’d rather drink it hot or iced, green tea is a great option to help your mouth health.

Regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist for professional cleanings are all important to maintaining a healthy mouth, whether you’re drinking soda or green tea. Find affordable care at CHP clinics in Bozeman, Belgrade, and Livingston, and make an appointment for your next checkup.