What Drinks Are A Better Choice For Teeth Health?

Drinking is an essential part of our daily routine, and we all have our go-to favourites whether it be juice, coffee, water, or tea. Regardless of your preferences, it’s essential to be mindful of the impact these choices may have on our teeth in the short and long term.

Certain drinks can significantly affect the health of our teeth and cause severe damage if not consumed in moderation.

The Worst Drinks for Your Teeth

A few drinks we recommend moderating or avoiding entirely include:

  • Soft drinks: Soft drinks contain high levels of sugar and acid that can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities, tooth decay and other dental problems.
  • Energy drinks: Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can be detrimental to your teeth’s health. The high sugar content of energy drinks can cause bacteria to grow in your mouth, leading to plaque formation and tooth decay.
  • Fruit juices: While fruit juices may contain vitamins and minerals, they also contain high levels of sugar and acid that can erode tooth enamel.
  • Sports drinks: Sports drinks also contain high levels of sugar which can similarly cause decay and other dental problems.

The Best Drinks for Your Teeth

Luckily, there are plenty of drink options that are delicious, refreshing and won’t harm your teeth, such as:

  • Water: Unsurprisingly, water is the best drink for your teeth. It helps to rinse away food particles and neutralises the acid in your mouth, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Milk: Milk contains calcium, which is great for strong teeth and bones. Drinking milk in moderation can help to strengthen your teeth.
  • Green tea: Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been shown to prevent plaque formation and tooth decay. Green tea is also a source of fluoride, which can help to protect your teeth from decay.
  • Black tea: Black tea also contains fluoride, as well as tannins which can help to kill bacteria in your mouth, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

How to Check That Your Teeth Are Not Damaged

There are several signs that your teeth are being damaged by the drinks you consume:

  • Tooth sensitivity: If your teeth are overly sensitive to hot or cold drinks, it could be a sign that your tooth enamel is being eroded.
  • Cavities: Cavities or holes in your teeth are a clear sign of tooth decay.
  • Stained teeth: Stained or yellow teeth indicate you may be consuming too many sugary or acidic drinks.

Prevention is Key

The best way to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of drinks is to consume them in moderation. Limiting the amount of sugary and acidic drinks you consume, and drinking other healthier options instead or more often, can help to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Foods to Avoid

Just like with drinks, there are certain foods that can be harmful to your teeth. A few examples are:

  • Lollies (or candy) which are high in sugar
  • Starchy foods, such as bread and crackers, can stick to your teeth and promote the growth of bacteria
  • Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, contain high levels of acid

Relevant Dental Treatments

If your teeth have already been damaged by the drinks and foods you consume, there are several dental treatments that can help you get your mouth health back on track.

  • Dental fillings can be used to treat cavities and protect your teeth from further decay.
  • Dental bonding repairs chips, cracks and other damage to your teeth.
  • Fluoride treatments: Fluoride treatments can help to strengthen your teeth and protect them from decay.
  • Regular dental appointments for maintenance and tailored advice.

If you are concerned that you may have tooth decay from your food and drinks habits, you can book a consultation or a check and clean with a dentist in Newcastle today. That way you can receive further recommendations and advice.

Give our friendly team a call on (02) 4089 2800 today and make the first step towards better oral health.