Before you reach for a drink to quench the thirst that you hate so much, please take a moment to think about its impact on your teeth. The best dentist in Rescue, CA, gives you the lowdown on the different types of beverages that help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
How Does Your Drink Affect Your Teeth?
Did you know that the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars and starches from the drinks you consume? During the process, they produce acids that eat away at your teeth’s protective enamel layer. The acids from harmful bacteria wreak havoc in your mouth for around half an hour after ingesting your sugary or starchy food or drink.
While the minerals in your saliva work to neutralize these acids, the clock starts over once you take another swig of any teeth-harming beverage. Although enamel erosion, tooth decay, and cavities are high on your list of concerns, you don’t necessarily have to cut your favorite drinks out of your life. You can limit the acid’s contact with your teeth by using a straw, rinsing your mouth with water, brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once daily, and seeing your dentist every six months.
What Are the Best Drinks for Teeth?
Water
Since water doesn’t contain sugars or starches, it tops the list of teeth-friendly drinks. Besides not giving the bacteria in your mouth anything to feast on, water helps wash away food particles and debris that stick to your teeth. Additionally, drinking water encourages salivary flow, which aids in the remineralization process that repairs and strengthens your tooth enamel.
Milk
Milk is packed with calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which help keep your teeth, gums, and supporting bones healthy. Additionally, milk is a rich source of proteins called caseins that repel bacterial acids by forming a protective film on teeth. Since milk reduces acid levels, it neutralizes acid attacks on the enamel. It also replaces lost minerals to keep your pearly whites strong and prevent dental issues.
Unsweetened Milk Alternatives
If you’re looking to find milk alternatives that offer similar benefits to cow’s milk, you should try the fortified versions of oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, or coconut milk. Besides complementing your meal, these unsweetened, plant-based drinks also increase your food’s nutritional value, lower bad cholesterol, and prevent heart disease.
Tea
If you’re a big fan of green tea, be glad to know that your favorite beverage effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria and suppresses their ability to form acids that trigger enamel erosion. Moreover, black and green teas are high in polyphenols, which keep your teeth’s enamel healthy. Drinking tea also increases your mouth’s pH level and salivary flow rate.
However, teas contain tannins that leave stains on the surfaces of your teeth. You can avoid these dental cosmetic issues by washing away some of the tannin stains by chasing your tea down with water.
Vegetable Juices and Smoothies Low in Sugar
Dark green vegetables such as baby spinach, celery, and kale contain calcium and essential vitamins that help strengthen your pearly whites and fight gum diseases. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add these nutrients to your diet, consider turning these acid-free vegetables into juices or smoothies. While you’re at it, avoid piling on the sugar.
Looking for the Best Dentist in Rescue, CA?
At Forest Ridge Dental Group, our goal is to make your dental experience exceptional. If you’re looking to get personalized dental care for you and your family, contact our office today to make an appointment.
