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.
Beverage
Choices Affect Oral Health