Sugary drinks, including soda, sweetened teas, and fruit juices, are consumed all over the world by millions of people. Even though they quench your thirst and give you an energy boost, they can be damaging to your teeth. In this article, we’ll take a look at the various adverse effects these kinds of beverages have on your teeth and what you can do to avoid them.
Table of Contents
Tooth Decay
One of the most significant downsides of sugar drinks is that they contribute to tooth decay. Sugar passes to the mouth where – when consumed – it meets with bacteria that eat the sugar and produce acid in the process. Cavities can be caused when this acid can wear through the enamel, the outer covering of your teeth that protects them. The more sugary drinks consumed, the more often your teeth are under attack with acid, enhancing your risk for decay.
Acidic Nature
Many sugary drinks are acidic in nature. Soda, energy drinks, and some fruit juices have pH levels that are bad for dental health. This acidity weakens the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. This dual threat of sugar and acid can eventually wreak havoc on your teeth.
Plaque Formation
Drinks high in sugar contribute to plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can form over the teeth. Plaque that is not removed through regular brushing and flossing will harden into tartar, which needs to be professionally cleaned in order to be removed. Plaque also raises your risk of gum disease, and can cause tooth decay.
Staining
A number of sugary drinks — dark sodas and some fruit juices — can cause teeth staining. While sugar and acids help enamel weaken, they make it easier for pigments to penetrate and discolor the teeth. This can be hard to get off, and you may need professional whitening treatments.
Increased Risk of Tooth Sensitivity
Exposure to sugar and acid can mean teeth erode more of the enamel, leaving the teeth more sensitive. Because of this sensitivity, eating and drinking can be uncomfortable when hot or cold items are involved. Since it can also affect your overall quality of life, it is imperative to address this issue. Using a good quality fluoride toothpaste such as Sensodyne can help mitigate tooth sensitivity and allow you to enjoy any type of food or drink, pain-free.
How Much Sugary Drinks Are Safe To Consume?
Moderation gives you the key to enjoying sugary drinks but has little or no effect on dental health. According to the American Heart Association, women should get no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugars a day, while men should get no more than 9 teaspoons (38 grams). This guideline covers all added sugars, not beverages only. Consequently, making smaller portions, and reducing the frequency which you consume them, allows you to continue to enjoy this special treat, yet minimizes your risk of dental issues.
Alternatives to Sugary Drinks
Fortunately, there are numerous healthier alternatives to sugary drinks that can help satisfy your thirst without jeopardizing your dental health:
- Water: Water is the best bet for hydration and is necessary to peel away food particles and bacteria from your mouth without affecting teeth.
- Sparkling Water: For a bubbly substitute, sparkling water will do the trick. Choose unsweetened options to avoid the added sugars.
- Herbal Teas: Herbal teas, without sugar, can be refreshing and tasty, without the downsides of sugar.
- Diluted Fruit Juice: If you opt to drink some fruit juice, it’s also a good idea to dilute it in water to take out the sugar content but still get a little bit of juice.
- Coconut Water: Coconut water is a healthy alternative to sugary drinks that provides hydration along with a hint of sweetness without added sugars.
Tips To Offset the Negative Effects Of Sugary Drinks
To protect your dental health while still enjoying sugary drinks, consider the following tips:
- Moderation: Cut down on sugary beverages and switch them with water, unsweetened teas, and so on.
- Rinse Your Mouth: To help rinse away sugars and acids, rinse your mouth with water after drinking sugary drinks.
- Use a Straw: Using a straw when you sip a sugary drink also reduces the amount of contact between the drink and your teeth.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: To get rid of plaque and to decrease the risk of cavities, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
- Regular Dental Visits: Make appointments to see your dentist regularly to ensure you don’t have any problems with your dental health and to act on any issues right away.
Conclusion
Drinks with sugar can lead to your dental health being compromised with tooth decay, erosion, or sensitivity. Luckily, by knowing the risks and taking certain precautions, you can still enjoy these beverages without compromising your teeth. Ultimately, moderation and good oral habits (brushing twice daily) are the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
