When it comes to choosing what to have to drink with your meals, there are countless options available. Here in America, one of the most popular choices is anything filled with sugar: soda, sports drinks, sweetened coffee or tea, and juice, and more. While these drink options are undoubtedly tasty, they are not healthy – especially for your teeth. Every human being has millions of oral bacteria inside the mouth each day. These bacteria have the job of helping to break down sugar deposits that are left behind inside the mouth after eating and drinking. While these bacteria are meant to be helpful, they can cause a great deal of harm when an abundance of sugar is present. Oral bacteria create acids to help them break down particles inside the mouth. When an overabundance of sugar is present, the amount of acids produced are incredibly damaging to the teeth, causing cavities and gum disease.
Many people tend to associate soft drinks as “bad” and all other options as “good.” Of course, soft drinks are among the worst choices of beverages to your entire health. Not only do they contain a high amount of sugar (or artificial sweeteners), but they also are very acidic and cause erosion of the tooth enamel. Yet, it is vital to understand that soft drinks are not the only damaging beverage that you can consume. Juice, even all-natural juice options, contain just as much sugar as soft drinks! One 8-ounce glass of apple juice contains the same amount of sugar as an 8-ounce glass of soda.
When it comes to making a good choice for what to drink, the best option is water. Water contains nothing harmful to your body, your teeth, or your health. Milk, unsweetened coffee or tea, and diluted juices (50/50 juice/water) are also better choices. Limiting the consumption of sugary drinks will limit the damage that oral bacteria can do to your teeth.
At Jefferson Dental Care, we want to partner with you in your oral health. Making wise choices on a regular basis for what you drink and eat will protect your smile now and in the future.
Posted on behalf of Jefferson Dental Care
