The best (and worst) soft drinks for your dental health

The new year is here and many of us have made resolutions to adjust our diet with healthier food choices. It is better to reconsider your drinking habits and replace harmful drinks with healthy drinks. This article focuses on non-alcoholic beverages and ranks alcoholic beverages.

Soft drinks were ranked from worst to best

The reality is that we drink a lot throughout the day, which is a good thing because staying hydrated is key to good health. But if we drink too much of the wrong foods, they can have a negative effect on the health of our teeth as well as our overall health.

Soda, energy drinks

All of these options are loaded with sugar and often acidic. This combination is bad for the health of your teeth. Acid erodes protective enamel, while sugar promotes bacterial growth and tooth decay. Add to that the fact that these options often have zero beneficial nutrients, and that makes them all a bad option for your teeth and health.

fruit juice

While fruit juice is often touted as healthy, the reality is that it’s not a good option. Fruit juice is often acidic, and acid can erode tooth enamel. It can also contain tons of sugar. However, 100% fruit juice with no added sugar offers the health benefits of vitamins and minerals, making it preferable to sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks.

Additionally, while fresh fruit is acidic, it also contains fiber as well as solids, meaning it doesn’t sink deep into the gap between the teeth and stick around enough. Eating a piece of fresh fruit with a glass of water is the best option to wash away the acid. On the other hand, a little fruit in water or seltzer adds just a little acidity and pleasant flavor, making it a better alternative. Choose berries over citrus because of their lower acidity.

coffee

When it comes to dental health, coffee is somewhere in the middle. Coffee has antioxidant benefits, meaning it fights free radicals that can damage tissue. There are also some potential health benefits to moderate caffeine consumption. Unfortunately, coffee can stain teeth. Another negative effect associated with your morning cup of coffee is that the coffee is acidic, meaning it wears away tooth enamel.

If you must drink your coffee, keep it to one or two cups a day and follow with plenty of water to minimize the negative effects. Don’t add sugar, although cream or milk can be good for your teeth because they contain calcium.

Seltzer

Flavored seltzers are becoming fashionable. And that’s not always a bad thing! Many options are sugar (and calorie) free, which means you get many of the benefits of water. The bubbly carbonation doesn’t make them any less useful, although it can add a bit of acidity. Also, be careful and read the ingredients. Avoid seltzer with citric acid. Seltzers aren’t as good for you as water, but they’re generally a better choice than juice and soda.

tea

Tea is a great option for your dental health. Like coffee, many varieties contain antioxidants that are good for teeth and health. As long as you don’t add sugar or lemon, the tea has low acidity and no sugar. The only possible downside is that black tea can stain your teeth. If that’s a concern, try green or white tea instead.

milk

Milk is great for your teeth. While it contains a small amount of sugar in the form of lactose, it has many benefits. These include calcium, which can strengthen tooth enamel and bones, including your jaw.

water

As you probably already guessed, water is the best possible drink for your teeth. It cleans saliva and helps increase saliva production. It also keeps you hydrated, which is vital for many bodily functions, including maintaining healthy gums.

What to drink for healthy teeth?

You can enjoy your favorite drink every once in a while, even if it’s not the best choice for you. Moderation is key, as is drinking plenty of water to wash away the acids or sugars when you consume them.

Be sure to brush twice a day and schedule regular dental appointments twice a year to keep your teeth healthy year-round.

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