Most people understand that sugary drinks are bad for their teeth, yet they remain deeply ingrained in the daily diet of most Americans. 30 gallons of soda, most of which is sugar-sweetened, are consumed per person each year, making the US a global leader in soda consumption. This figure only grows among young adults and low-income households, owing to the cheap and accessible nature of soft drinks, creating a situation where 46% of children aged 2-19 suffer from tooth decay.
Drinks are habitual in a way that food isn’t. We won’t typically eat the same meal every day for a week, but we will have our daily morning coffee and a second wind energy drink at lunchtime without fail, without considering the cumulative impact on our teeth. The frequency of this issue, combined with generally inadequate hydration, means finding gentler substitutes can help stave off cavities and many other health concerns.
The Worst Drinks for Your Teeth
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Soda
No prizes for guessing this one! Soda is the most commonly consumed sugary beverage in the US, contributing to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and, of course, a host of dental problems. Their high-sugar content feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which then produce acid that attacks your teeth, causing cavities and decay. These beverages typically have a pH between 2.5 and 3.5, making them acidic and erosive to enamel, which unfortunately means even low or no-sugar alternatives are still bad for your teeth.
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Fruit juice
This one often catches people by surprise, as they assume drinks like apple and orange juice are entirely healthy. They are good for you in many ways, with high vitamin and mineral contents that help organs and functions throughout the body, but their natural sugars are just as bad for your teeth as the added sugars in soda. Fruits in general are also very acidic, causing the same dental issues as any high-pH liquids, so consume them in moderation.
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Sports and energy drinks
Healthcare professionals and many parents are concerned about the growing popularity of sports and energy drinks among teens and young adults. The former is designed for athletes during prolonged physical exercise and contains electrolytes and carbohydrates to replace those lost through sweat and movement, whereas the latter is packed with caffeine. Both are typically more acidic than soda and contain high levels of sugar, making them particularly bad for your teeth.
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Coffee and tea
Though one benefit of drinking coffee and tea is that you can choose how much sugar you add, even when served black and bitter, they can still harm your teeth. Both contain tannins, a compound also found in red wine, that can stain the teeth and are high in caffeine, which dries out the mouth and prevents saliva from forming. Without the natural cleaning and protective coating of spit, it’s easier for acid to damage your teeth and develop into cavities.
It’s possible to enjoy these drinks in moderation without too many adverse effects on your teeth, as long as you practice consistent oral hygiene. A better option is to choose one of the following drinks that are beneficial to your teeth.
The Best Drinks for Your Teeth
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Water
About 47% of Americans drink far less than the recommended daily water intake. Hydration is essential for virtually every aspect of your body, including your teeth, as it can rinse away sugars and acids from the enamel and support saliva production. Fluoridation of public waterways has helped reduce tooth decay by about 25%, making it one of the most accessible and beneficial drinks for your dental health. If tap water doesn’t appeal, choosing flavored water you actually enjoy can help you hydrate more often.
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Milk
High in calcium, phosphorus, casein, and Vitamin D, which helps with the absorption of these nutrients, milk is a fantastic drink for your teeth. It does contain some sugar, and dentists encourage mindful consumption and proper brushing afterward, especially for children, but the beneficial effects of milk far outweigh the downsides.
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Herbal teas
Matcha, chamomile, and peppermint are naturally sugar-free and low in caffeine. They have a neutral pH and are much less likely to cause staining than black teas. Many are also high in antioxidants, such as Vitamins C and E, which can help fight inflammation and promote healthy teeth and gums.
Drink Smarter
By using a few clever tricks, such as swishing with water after drinking soda and drinking acidic beverages with meals, you can cut down on the worst offenders without cutting them out entirely. Choosing simple substitutions, like flavoured water and herbal teas, can still give you a satisfying kick while helping you hydrate and protect your teeth from the far too common issue of decay.