Sugary beverages are a daily treat for many Americans, but they are no treat for your dental health, especially when consumed multiple times of day. This is due to harmful bacteria that is present in everyone’s mouth, which consume the sugars we eat.
These bacteria happily receive energy from these sugars, but produce erosive acid in the process. This can wear down your tooth enamel and result in cavities.
How to Reduce or Eliminate Sugary Beverages
Ideally, we would all eliminate sugary beverages from our diets, but simply reducing the number of beverages and replacing them with healthier options can play a vital role in preserving your dental health. Substitute water, unsweetened tea, milk, and diluted juice for sodas, chocolate milk, and energy drinks.
These better options won’t overfeed the otherwise useful bacteria in your mouth and damage your teeth with acid. In addition, some water contains fluoride that protects against cavities, and milk contains calcium to keep your teeth strong. In addition, many unsweetened milk substitutes, such as almond or rice milk, have added calcium.
It’s Best to Drink, Not Sip
If you don’t want to give up your morning cup of sweetened coffee, tea, or juice, it’s best to drink it all at once rather than sip it. When you slowly sip a sugary beverage, all that bacteria has extra time to eat the sugar and result in cavities. However, when you drink quickly, your body has ample time to wash away the harmful stuff.
You can also take other measures to protect your teeth and your family’s by drinking sweetened beverages in one sitting and not allowing children to keep juice in their sippy cups. Water, milk, or unsweetened milk substitutes are better choices.
Knowing that sugary beverages are a threat to your dental health and ways to avoid them is a great start toward preserving your healthy smile. Supported by excellent oral care in our office, your beverage choices can support your oral hygiene, rather than compromise it. Call us for more information and to discuss the best dental solutions for you and your family.
