There has been a lot of buzz in the weight loss community over drinks lately. A sugary soda is well-known to add hundreds of calories to your daily intake, but many of us previously overlooked the sugar and calories in our fancy morning coffee shop latte. While some of the focus of the health and weight loss conversation has turned to being mindful of what you drink, have you ever considered how certain beverages impact your oral health? From cosmetic changes to cavities, the beverage you choose to wash down a meal with can have long-lasting impacts on your pearly whites! If you’re curious about how your beverage choices are impacting your mouth, read on to learn some facts that may surprise you!
Coffee can linger long after the caffeine has faded.
It’s likely part of your morning ritual and you probably have no plans to give it up, but did you know coffee can impact your teeth? Drinking coffee, especially multiple times throughout the day, can stain teeth and leave them looking yellowed and dull over time. To help combat this, try brushing your teeth after you’ve had your morning cup or, if you prefer your coffee iced, use a straw to help avoid the liquid coming in contact with your teeth.
There’s another reason to shun soda.
Sugar has been getting a bad rap lately, and for good reason! Excess amounts of sugar have been repeatedly shown to be detrimental to your health, and one 12-ounce can of cola can have upwards of 40 grams of the stuff! Similar to eating candy, this sugar can linger in your mouth long after drinking soda and aid in the development of cavities. On top of the high levels of sugar, soda is nearly as acidic as pure lemon juice! Acidity at these levels can permanently erode the enamel on your teeth, leaving you more susceptible to yellowed teeth, cavities, tooth sensitivity, and, eventually, tooth loss. If you simply can’t stay away from an occasional soda, it’s important to also drink these beverages through a straw when possible, to limit direct contact with the teeth.
You even need to be careful with your occasional glass of wine.
Alcohol is another one of our vices that we know deep down isn’t great for us, but we indulge in it anyway. While a glass of red wine with dinner may help your heart health, habitually overdoing it can have consequences in many aspects of your health. We’ve all experienced a tinted mouth after drinking a few glasses of red wine, but routine consumption will eventually permanently darken your teeth. If you find yourself indulging in wine, try drinking extra water alongside it to help wash away the excess pigmentation in your mouth. Staying hydrated will help your body produce saliva, which routinely cleans and cleanses the mouth, washing away harmful bacteria and staining liquids.
It’s important to remember that everything should be enjoyed in moderation and that it’s okay to give into your temptations now and again! But when it comes to your oral health, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re habitually putting in your body.
If you have questions about what you’ve read today, or to schedule a routine checkup, give us a ring at Oradent Associates in Chicago today!