Do You Know What These Drinks Can Do to Your Teeth?
Many people are aware that the foods they eat can impact the health of their teeth. However, fewer know that drinks can have just as much of a negative impact as food.
The effect of beverages on your teeth will vary depending on a variety of factors. The biggest factor, however, is the acidity of the drink. Any beverage that measures 5.5 or less on the pH meter is considered as acidic.
Acidic drinks, just like acidic foods, can soften your tooth enamel, which can make your teeth sensitive and vulnerable to damage. Another key factor is the sugar content of the drink. Drinks that are very high in both acid and sugar have the potential to damage your teeth significantly over time. According to the dentists at Peak Family Dental Care in Cottonwood, AZ, getting your teeth regularly examined can help to identify bad habits early.
Below we will examine nine drinks and their potential impact on your health.
- Wine
If you want wine, consider drinking red wine instead of white wine, as white wine is more acidic. All wine should be drinken in moderation, but red wine is generally considered better for dental health.
- Beer
Beer is an acidic drink and can also contribute to dry mouth. While beer can potentially ward off bad bacteria, it’s best to avoid beer if possible.
- Vodka
The average pH value of Vodka is around 4, which means it is acidic and should be limited. Cheaper brands of vodka may have a lower pH, while premium brands of vodkas generally have a higher pH value. Thus, if you are going to drink vodka, do so in moderation and with a good brand.
- Soda
Soda has high-sugar content and is also carbonated. These factors can accelerate tooth decay. Beyond this, however, soda also has a very hide acidity and can soften tooth enamel.
- Coffee
There is bad news for coffee lovers. Drinking coffee regularly can wear down your teeth enamel, which can lead to sensitivity problems. Furthermore, coffee can cause staining.
- Sweet tea
Iced tea may also cause staining like coffee. Furthermore, if you drink it sweet, as in the traditional way, you are exposing your teeth to sugar and accelerated decay. To remain safe, try to limit the amount of this drink.
- Energy drinks
While energy drinks might make you more alert, they can create havoc in your mouth. Due to high acidity, energy drinks can cause serious damage to enamel.
- Milk
Various milk components like protein and minerals can inhibit attachment and growth of cavity-forming bacteria. Furthermore, milk has a pH above 6.5. Thus, milk can be a great choice for keeping your teeth healthy and strong.
- Fruit juice
Since most fruit juices are concentrated, and have a very low pH value, it can expose you to a lot of acids. If you want fruit juice, consider diluting it with water, so you can reduce damage.
In conclusion, what you drink can have a noticeable impact on your teeth. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy certain drinks instead of avoiding them completely. For acidic drinks, consider using a straw. Also, you should not brush immediately after drinking anything that may damage your teeth. Wait at least for 30 minutes after drinking and then you can brush your teeth. After all, we spend considerable time, effort, and expense keeping our smile looking great; we spend money on everything from sonic toothbrushes to invisible braces. Why throw it all away on acidic drinks?
