It takes more than just brushing and flossing to keep your mouth and teeth healthy; what we eat, and drink also plays a huge role. Many beverages, specifically, can have a huge impact on our teeth, either positive or negative, based on the drink. As a result, you need to know which drinks are good for teeth and which drinks are bad for teeth. When you understand this, you can keep your enamel strong and avoid dental issues like cavities. This article will talk about some of the best drinks for strong teeth, why they’re so good for your teeth, and offer some other oral health tips from top dentists in NJ.
Why Drinks Matter for Oral Health
There are two major ways that drinks affect teeth: acidity and sugar content. Drinks with a lot of acid can erode the enamel, and drinks with a lot of sugar cause bacteria in your mouth to multiply, which leads to more plaque and tooth decay. As a result, you should be choosing drinks that avoid causing tooth decay and support your oral health.
According to some of the top dentists in NJ, drinks with a pH of 4.5 or lower start to erode enamel with their acidity, and sugary beverages cause a feeding frenzy for bacteria. Of course, these elements will lead to cavities and other dental problems. Therefore, choose healthier beverages for your teeth and gums.
Best Drinks for Strong Teeth
Water (Especially Fluoridated)
One of the best drinks for strong teeth is simple water, especially when there’s fluoride added. Drinking water throughout the day washes away the food particles and sugars that make your teeth decay. Most tap water these days is also fluoridated, at least in the US, and the added fluoride makes enamel stronger so it can prevent cavities. The fluoride binds to the teeth’s surface, so it becomes more resistant to the acid that comes from plaque bacteria and sugars. Drinking water also makes your mouth produce more saliva, which cleans the mouth naturally and keeps its pH balance healthy. Top dentists in NJ recommend water as the main beverage you should be drinking for all these reasons.
Milk
Milk also goes a long way in keeping your teeth strong. It contains a lot of calcium and phosphorus, which returns the minerals your teeth might lose from acid exposure. Milk also has a protein called casein, which neutralizes acids in your mouth and even forms a protective layer on your teeth. Additionally, milk is very low in sugar, so it’s better for your teeth than other sugarier beverages. That being said, there are some sugars in milk, and you want avoid prolonged exposure because of them. You can minimize these risks while taking in all the benefits of milk by brushing your teeth after drinking milk.
Green and White Tea
Green and White teas have tons of oral health benefits, as well. They naturally contain fluoride, polyphenols, and other antioxidants that help reduce the bacteria causing cavities and gum inflammation. Green tea has also been shown to neutralize acid in your mouth, so it lowers the risks of tooth decay.
When you’re drinking tea, go for unsweetened tea to minimize your sugar intake. You also shouldn’t be adding sugar or honey to it, which would ruin the point of drinking it for oral health.
Vegetable Juice (Low-Acid)
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, or celery are packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for your teeth and your overall health, even in juice form. They have a lot of calcium and Vitamin B, which both play big roles in gum health and enamel strength.
When they’re made without adding sugar, vegetable juices are one of the healthiest beverages for teeth and gums. If you need them to be more palatable, add fruits like apples or carrots, but keep the amounts small to limit the amount of sugar you’re consuming.
Coconut Water (Unsweetened)
A refreshing alternative to sugary fruit juices and sodas, unsweetened coconut water is a great drink for your teeth because it’s naturally low in acidity and sugar. It’s also quite hydrating, so many of the top dentists in NJ recommend it as a healthier, tooth-friendlier alternative to things like fruit juices and energy drinks.
Drinks to Limit or Avoid
Many drinks are good for your teeth, and there are also many drinks that are bad for your teeth. Drinks with a lot of sugar and acid, energy drinks, and fruit juices are pretty harmful to your dental health. Energy drinks, in particular, often have pH levels low enough to cause enamel erosion, even in their sugar-free versions. Fruit juices also tend to have as much sugar in them as sodas, even though they have healthy vitamins.
Sports drinks tend to be marketed as healthy, but most also contain tons of sugars and acids. Drink them in moderation, ideally not at all, but if you do, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acidity.
Oral Health Tips from Top Dentists in NJ
If you want to keep your mouth healthy, just choosing the right drinks isn’t enough on its own. You also need to follow some key oral health practices to keep your teeth strong. The top dentists in NJ recommend following these oral health tips:
- Brush and floss regularly: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day gets rid of plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Routine checkups with top dentists in NJ play a big role in maintaining your oral health. Professional cleanings remove tartar buildup and give your dentist the chance to spot any issues before they get worse.
- Limit snacking and sipping: Constant snacking or sipping on sugary drinks keeps acid levels in the mouth high. It’s best to consume sugary and acidic beverages with meals and to drink water in between.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash: Fluoride mouthwash can provide an extra layer of protection against decay and help maintain your enamel’s health.
Making the Most of Your Drinks
What you drink plays a huge role in maintaining your oral health. Choosing low sugar drinks like water, milk, and green tea can protect your enamel and prevent tooth decay. Avoid sugary and acidic beverages and be aware of the impact drinks have on your teeth.
For specific oral health advice tailored to your unique dental case, pay regular visits to top dentists in NJ. By following these oral health tips and making smarter beverage choices, you can keep your smile healthy for years to come.
