These three types of popular beverages can impact oral health.
Bottled Water: The American Dental Association is concerned
about the decreased consumption of tap water because deprivation of
fluoridated water may have a lifelong impact on children’s dental
health. More than 500 brands of bottled water are sold in the United
States, but only about 20 have added fluoride. Be sure to check the
fluoride content of your bottled water. Ask your dentist how much
fluoride you and your family need for good dental health.
Sports Drinks: These drinks can contribute to decay and mineral
loss in tooth enamel because of the high sugar and acid content in
some of them. Excessive consumption of these beverages and their
prolonged contact with teeth can be particularly harmful. Some tips to
help protect your teeth:
Limit consumption of sports drinks
Dilute sports drinks with water
Chill your drinks (warmer temperatures speed erosion)
Don’t hold or swish drinks in your mouth; use a straw to
reduce contact with teeth
Rinse your mouth with water after drinking to minimize the strength of the drink’s acidity
Chew sugarless gum after a drink to stimulate saliva
Ask your dentist to check for early signs of decay
(white spots, stained fissures, and brown spots)
Soft Drinks: Like sports drinks, these drinks have a high
sugar and acid content, and their consumption should be limited.
Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and make an acid that dissolves
tooth enamel and could eventually lead to cavities. Even sugar-free diet
sodas are not entirely
safe, because they are
acidic by nature. The tips
that protect your teeth
from sports drinks also
apply to soft drinks.
