These five drinks that are bad for your teeth may come as quite a surprise. It is no secret that what we eat and drink can greatly affect our teeth. However, there are certain things that can damage the enamel much more than others. Take a look at the list and see if there are any surprises.
Five Drinks That Are Bad For Your Teeth
Sports drinks: This type of drink is marketed as a way of rehydrating during or after a workout. However, during these times the mouth is often dry from exercising. Consuming these types of drinks with a dry mouth means that there is less saliva to protect your teeth from acid and sugar. This can cause extensive erosion and tooth wear to the teeth over a period of time.
Fruit Juice: Although fruit juices can have many benefits and contribute to your five-a-day of fruit and vegetables it is not so great for the teeth. Sometimes a glass of fruit juice can have more sugar, albeit natural sugar, than a can of fizzy pop. Even though the sugar is naturally occurring this is still bad for the teeth and will cause tooth decay. Try to limit consumption to one small glass a day.
Flavoured water: These drinks may seem harmless enough. However, they are very acidic and can also contain a lot of sugar. Even the sugar-free versions can be harmful to the teeth. Plain water is always the best option in any case.
Wine: Most people know that red wine is not particularly good for the teeth as it stains the enamel. But many may not know that white wine is just as bad for the teeth due to the acidity level. It is always advisable to drink wine in moderation in accordance with the national UK guidelines. These are 14 units per week for men and women*. This is equivalent to seven medium-sized glasses of wine per week.
Lemon water: Although lemon water does have many health benefits for the body, unfortunately, dental health is not one of them. Drinking lemon water every day could contribute to irreparable damage to the structure of the teeth. Lemons are very acidic and this wears away the enamel leaving the teeth sensitive and susceptible to tooth decay, cavities, and breakage. A reusable straw can help limit contact.
*figures correct at time of publishing (Aug 2019)
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Sports drinks: This type of drink is marketed as a way of rehydrating during or after a workout. However, during these times the mouth is often dry from exercising. Consuming these types of drinks with a dry mouth means that there is less saliva to protect your teeth from acid and sugar. This can cause extensive erosion and tooth wear to the teeth over a period of time.
