There are many drinks that hold memories of good times for a lot of people. Whether it’s stopping by a convenience store on a road trip or relaxing poolside on a hot summer day, many beverages hold some form of nostalgia. Others help you decompress after a long day or wake up enough to do it all again. Unfortunately, not all these drinks are good for your smile. Continue reading to learn about how beverages and oral health are related as well as five that can harm your smile.
Drink #1: Soda
Soda is full of sugar. Bacteria in the mouth feed off of this sugar and release acids. These acids attack your enamel, which weakens it. This makes you more susceptible to tooth decay. Soda is also very acidic, which can also weaken your smile and raise your risk of cavities. You may think that diet soda is the better option since it doesn’t contain any sugar, but it’s still highly acidic.
Drink #2: Wine
The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry performed a study and found that red wine contains polyphenols. These are micronutrients found in plants. Polyphenols may make it harder for harmful oral bacteria to stick to one’s teeth, but red wine can also stain your smile. Even white wine can harm your teeth since it’s actually more acidic than red wine.
Drink #3: Vodka
Tooth enamel begins to demineralize when it’s exposed to a pH level of around 5.5. Vodka usually has a pH level around 4, but some brands have one closer to 8. Since this puts them within the range of potential enamel damage, these brands can do a lot of harm to your smile. Alcohol also dries out the mouth. This allows oral bacteria to flourish, which raises your risk of decay, mouth sores, and gum disease.
Drink #4: Other Alcoholic Beverages
Many alcoholic beverages are highly acidic and can seriously damage your pearly whites. Additionally, mixing them with sodas, juices, ice cream, or other sweet foods and beverages can do double damage to your smile by combining acid with sugar.
Drink #5: Fruit Juice
Advertisements for natural fruit juice leave many people assuming that it’s a much healthier choice than soda. These beverages often contain vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, which your body and smile need to stay healthy and strong. Unfortunately, they are also full of tons of natural sugar and even contain more than soda in some cases.
The connection between beverages and oral health is unfortunately not always a positive one. Fortunately, with a good oral hygiene routine, some moderation, and regular dental visits, you can keep your teeth looking and functioning at their best!
About the Practice
Dr. James Geer treats patients in Tomball as well as the surrounding communities with a range of exceptional dental services so they can keep their smiles strong and bright. He offers preventive treatments like checkups and cleanings to keep oral health issues from developing as well as restorative and cosmetic treatments to improve the function and look of your beam. Call Dr. Geer’s office at (281) 357-4337 or visit his website for more information on the services he offers or to set up an appointment.