You likely have some sense that your meals affect your oral health. Based on their ingredients and makeup, they could harm your mouth or make it even stronger. Still, do you know the popular drinks that can hurt your teeth? It’s helpful to grasp them so you can take steps to protect your whole smile. Well, your Temple dentist can share a few big ones with you. Here are four well-known beverages that damage your grin over time.
Soda/Cola
If you didn’t already know, soda is terrible for your teeth. So-called “soft drinks” don’t act gently when they reach your pearly whites. Once they do, these types of beverages weaken your smile.
It all comes down to what soda is made of. For starters, it has a high amount of tooth-decaying sugar and carbonic acid (i.e., the stuff that makes the drink fizzy). These ingredients alone can cause your teeth to wear out and get cavities. Worse, many sodas are highly acidic and soften up your tooth enamel.
Coffee
Like many working adults, you may rely on coffee to start your day. You’ll need to be careful with your cup of joe if that’s true. The odds are high that your coffee habit is damaging your smile.
Coffee tends to hurt your teeth if you have too much of it. When you drink it on a regular basis, this beverage can wear down your enamel. This effect will easily lead to later tooth sensitivity if you aren’t careful. However, coffee isn’t all that acidic – a sugar-free blend once in a while should be fine.
Sweet or Iced Tea
Coffee was just mentioned, so it might seem confusing to list tea as harmful to teeth. This drink is often contrasted with your morning java, right? Even so, the truth is that sweet or iced tea is also bad for grins.
While it tastes different from coffee, iced tea has a poor effect on your chompers. It often stains your teeth just as much as coffee due to its ingredients. Plus, sweetening it with sugar just makes it more likely to cause tooth decay and cavities. You’d be better off making this drink with a non-sugary sweetener and limiting the amount you have.
Fruit Juices
Real fruits can actually be quite good for your teeth, as their fiber and vitamins tend to protect your smile. Still, the same can’t be said for fruit juices. These particular drinks usually damage your teeth when you have them in large amounts.
You see, most fruit juices are highly concentrated. They expose you to much more acid than if you were to eat a fruit in its natural form. As a result, their nutrients may be offset by their acidity, which wears down your smile. It also doesn’t help that some fruit juices have tannins that can stain your grin.
To keep your smile safe, remember the popular drinks that can hurt your teeth. You should also consult your dental provider for advice on mouth-healthy meals.
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is a certified dentist based in Temple, TX. Having earned his DDS from the University of Texas Dental Branch – Houston, he’s an expert in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. That means you can trust him for comprehensive dental care, as his offered treatments range from standard checkups and cleanings to dental implant placements. Dr. Fossum currently practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (254)-778-3900.