Alright, listen very carefully. Set down the soft drink, back away slowly… to the sink.
Okay, so maybe that sounded a little dramatic, but when it comes to your teeth, the best thing you drink is water. Coffee and tea can darken your smile. Soft drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks are often loaded with sugars and acids that can attack your tooth enamel. We aren’t saying that you shouldn’t enjoy those drinks now and then, but what we are saying is that you should enjoy them in moderation, and not get into the habit of reaching for them when you feel a little parched. What about fruit juice? We’re glad you asked. Fruit juice does contain vitamins that are good for your teeth, but they can also contain acids and sugars. So if you have a glass of juice, follow it up with a glass of …you guessed it: water.
Water not only hydrates your body, it also hydrates your mouth, and helps to wash away the acids and food particles that can be left on your teeth. If you suffer from dry mouth, a condition in which your body does not manufacture enough saliva, increasing your water intake is a good way to keep your mouth moist. Many cities add fluoride to their water supplies, so a drink of water is a great way to strengthen your teeth. While bottled water is easy to grab at the gas station or grocery store, it may not contain fluoride. So it is a good idea to talk to your dentist about what he suggests. You can always fill up a bottle at home and take it with you on the road.
If you would like to learn other ways to keep your teeth and mouth healthy, our dentist will be happy to talk with you. To make an appointment at the practice of Mark Andrews, D.D.S.1 in Kirkland, Washington, call 425-821-8100 today.