Human teeth encounter an astonishingly wide range of nutrients, additives, preservatives, and other common dietary items, not only in foods but also in beverages. Some of these menu items support dental health, while others undermine tooth integrity, promote decay, or leave unattractive stains.

You can maintain a good deal of control over your dental well-being simply by providing your teeth with relatively healthy beverages and exercising caution in the consumption of less-healthy options. Check out the positive or negative effects of the following common types of drinks.

Coffee and Tea

Medical science recognizes that both coffee and tea provide some substantial potential health benefits. Both beverages enjoy extraordinary popularity worldwide, with many individuals drinking one or the other on a daily basis. Unfortunately, this constant consumption brings an unwanted side effect: stained teeth.

Both coffee and tea contain substances known as polyphenols. One group of polyphenols, tannins, dissolve into the water used to brew your tea or coffee. The dissolved tannins then cause the coloring agents in coffee beans and tea leaves to stick to your teeth, eventually producing yellow or brown stains.

While these stains won't harm your teeth, they can prove difficult or impossible to remove through home hygiene practices. You may need professional teeth cleaning and whitening services to remove those stubborn stains.

If you choose to consume coffee or tea, consider icing the beverage and drinking it through a straw. Eat a diet rich in raw, fibrous fruits and vegetables to reduce the number or severity of stains.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages can cause trouble for tooth enamel. Alcohol imparts a drying effect to human tissues, including the tissues of the mouth. If you produce less saliva, your teeth lose some of their natural protection against bacteria. The bacteria may then cause tooth decay while also invading the gums.

Individuals who abuse alcohol tend to accumulate more plaque on their teeth than non-drinkers, making them more vulnerable to dental diseases. They also have three times the risk for tooth loss compared to the general population. If you drink alcohol, drink water as well to keep your oral tissues hydrated.

Sodas and Juices

The pH of a beverage can affect the health of your teeth. The pH scale rates substances from highly acidic (near zero on the scale) to highly alkaline (approaching a maximum of fourteen on the scale), with a pH of seven counting as completely neutral. Acids can strip minerals from your tooth enamel, weakening it.

Unfortunately, many popular favorites in the beverage world feature pH levels of around three or lower. Both regular sodas and diet sodas suffer from this problem, partly due to their carbonation. Even fruit juices lauded for their health benefits often have acidity levels ranging in the twos and threes.

While you don't have to exclude acidic beverages from your life entirely, you need to recognize the potential damage to your tooth enamel and take steps to minimize it. Rinse with water after drinking an acidic drink. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming anything acidic.

Water

Water usually sits near the center of the pH scale. This neutrality makes it a safe, healthy choice for everyday consumption, not just for your teeth but for every other part of your body as well.

As noted above, water can help to reduce acidity in your mouth. It also promotes healthy hydration, which in turn helps you produce a healthy amount of saliva. better yet, tap water typically contains fluoride, which supports enamel strength.

Milk

Milk and related dairy products actually improve the health of your teeth. Milk provides calcium and phosphorus, two minerals essential for maintaining tooth enamel. A single glass of milk offers just under 300 milligrams of calcium.

Your teeth also benefit from the casein in milk. This protein coats the tooth surfaces, giving the teeth additional protection against decay-causing bacteria.

Good dental health and an attractive smile require ongoing care and smart lifestyle choices. Let University Dental P.A. help you make those choices and receive the examinations, cleanings, and treatments that help ensure your dental wellness. Contact our clinic today to learn more and set up a consultation.