HOW YOUR BEVERAGE CHOICES COULD IMPACT YOUR ORAL HEALTH

Did you know that what you choose to drink may affect the health of your mouth? If you’re looking for ways to reduce your need for fillings, root canals, and tooth whitening in Belmont, then continue reading to learn how the beverages you select can impact your oral health.

Soda and Sports Drinks

Soft drinks and sports drinks are popular beverages that usually contain high levels of sugar, which can feed the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay. To help protect your teeth from cavities, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after consuming sugary drinks. Also, the acids in both regular and diet sodas can erode tooth enamel and affect your oral health, so cutting back on these drinks can help promote the health of your smile.

Bottled Water

Most community water systems contain fluoridated water, and many dentists recommend that people drink 8 to 12 cups of water, preferably fluoridated water, each day. However, more and more people are choosing to drink bottled water. If this sounds like you, then you may be missing out on fluoride that can protect your teeth from decay and reduce your risk for cavities.

Coffee, Tea, and Red Wine

For many people, their morning doesn’t begin until they have had a cup of coffee. Tea and red wine are also popular beverages. While each of these drinks may offer health benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that they can stain your teeth, as well. To help keep your smile bright and maintain your teeth whitening results, rinse out your mouth or brush your teeth after drinking coffee, tea, or red wine.

Baby Bottles

Finally, it’s important to realize that even young children are vulnerable to tooth decay. When a child’s teeth have prolonged exposure to sugary liquids, such as formula or fruit juice, this can increase her risk of tooth decay. To help prevent what dentists refer to as baby bottle tooth decay, do not offer your child a sugary drink in place of a pacifier or put her to bed with a bottle.