What you eat and drink can seriously affect the health of your teeth. In turn, the health of your teeth can seriously affect the rest of your body’s health. For example, poor oral health can lead to heart disease, tooth decay, and even problems with pregnancy. This is why it is imperative to keep your mouth in tip-top shape. Thankfully, we’re here to tell you which beverages you need to stay away from in order to keep your teeth health.
1. Soda. Soda has exceptionally high levels of sugar. The bacteria that live in your mouth feed on sugar. This feeding creates an acid production that can seriously wear down your enamel. Even diet sodas contain acid that can contribute to enamel wear. Drink soda and you risk getting cavities.
2. Coffee. Coffee can stain the surface of your teeth, but that’s not the only thing you should be worried about. The acid in coffee has the ability to wear down your teeth. Plus, sugar is commonly added to coffee, which can also wear down enamel and cause cavities.
3. Alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can wear down enamel due to their sugar content. Your gums may also suffer because alcohol is dehydrating. Drinks like red wine can also stain your teeth. Bottom line – try to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.
4. Fruit juice. Even those considered “healthy” should be avoided. Similar to soda, fruit juices contain high amounts of sugar and will therefore wear down your enamel and aid in plaque buildup. If you can’t give up your morning orange juice, make sure you’re washing it down with a glass of water and a hearty two-minute brushing session.
The only surefire way to battle drink related tooth decay is to drink water. Tap water, specifically, contains minerals and fluoride which will keep your teeth healthy and strong. If you can’t say goodbye to the beverages listed above, be sure to supplement them with water, brushing and flossing.
