5 Worst Drinks for your Teeth

As kids, your mother may have asked you not to eat too many sweets and junk – because they would lead to cavities. Turns out they’re right! But, it is not only food that affects your teeth, there are certain beverages that can be equally harmful to your oral health. We may not realize, but beverages that are a part of our daily routine might damage our teeth. Some of these drinks are loaded with sugar and are highly acidic, which erodes our protective enamel, assists in plaque build up, and leads to tooth decay. Sure they may taste good and lift up your mood, but they can ruin your teeth as well as your health. To avoid severe dental diseases, these worst drinks for your teeth must be avoided or consumed in very limited quantities.

Following is a list of five worst drinks for your teeth that must be avoided as much as possible.

• Sodas

Possibly the biggest culprit of tooth decay, sodas and colas are packed with sugar and acid. This harmful drink not only increases plaque, but the acid erodes the protective tooth enamel, raising the risk of cavities. These calorie-laden drinks, damage not only your health but also wreck havoc on your teeth. Still, if you feel the craving for it, try to drink it with a straw to minimize the effect and remember to swish some water after that.

• Coffee

The routine of a morning cup of coffee stimulates millions of people. But the strong coffee that awakens you, also turns your teeth to an ugly yellow. The darker your coffee, the more it will stain. Coffee also contains a decent amount of acid, which again is harmful to your teeth. Many people often prefer their coffee sweet, making sugar a popular additive to coffee and increasing the risk of cavities.

• Tea

You may be a fan of tea instead of coffee. While a soothing cup of tea can work wonders for your body, certain types of tea can be bad for your teeth. Black tea and darker blends can stain your teeth, leaving you with a yellow smile. If tea gets you going, opt for green or herbal tea that will also benefit overall health.

• Alcohol

Whether you prefer wine or liquor, alcohol in any form has the ability to damage your teeth. The sugar and acid content will wear down your tooth enamel and contribute to periodontal disease. The tannin in wines stains your teeth. While it might not be possible to stop you from having it ever again, you can have water after drinks or snack on some cheese and nuts to restore your pH balance.

• Energy Drinks

A thirst quenching energy drink might replenish your electrolyte stores and raise your energy levels after a challenging workout. But their high acid and sugar content can be hazardous to your health and also your teeth. Similar to sodas, they can heighten the risk of cavities in your teeth.

While it may not be possible to completely avoid these, limiting consumption of these worst drinks for your teeth will provide good oral health. Regular dental check-ups can help you monitor your oral health, and make appropriate alterations in your drinking habits.