Are You Accidentally Bathing Your Teeth in Sugar?

Do you brush and floss regularly and wonder why you still get cavities? There can be underlying causes, but it’s more likely that something you do is undoing your efforts for a healthier smile.

Most of us know that too much sugar is bad for our teeth. But even if you make healthy food choices, you need to watch your beverage choices, because you may be consuming a lot of “hidden” sugar. And the problem is that bacteria in your mouth love sugar, which is then converted to acid. Sugar starts the process, but it is the acid that leads to decay.

The Worst Drinks for Your Teeth

Unfortunately, many popular beverages today contain high amounts of sugar. We aren’t telling you that you need to cut out these drinks completely. But knowing how they impact your teeth allows you to make healthier choices to protect your oral health.

• Colas are at the top of the list because they aren’t just high in sugar, they are also high in acid, which is like a double whammy for your teeth. Other acidic drinks you should avoid include orange juice, energy drinks high in sugar, and even clear sodas.
• Juicing is another way to keep you healthy, but you need to be aware that many juices are not only high in sugar, but also high in acid.
• If you want to avoid stained teeth, you may already know that you need to avoid drinks like coffee and dark tea. But be careful with your happy hour beverage because red wine has pigments that stain your teeth, and white wines are high in acid that erodes dental enamel.

Enjoy Your Beverage, But Protect Your Teeth!

You can still enjoy all these beverages, but you can avoid damage if you wait 30 minutes then brush. Waiting gives your mouth a chance to return to a healthy pH balance and helps prevent further damage to your teeth.

If you would like more helpful tips about protecting your oral health, please call our East Northport, NY dentist for an appointment.