The 6 Worst Drinks for Your Teeth

The six drinks that can ruin your dental health

Just because something tastes good, doesn’t mean it’s good for you. As dentists, we often see the bad consequences of “too much of a good thing” in our patients’ mouths. But here’s a helpful list of foods to avoid so you can keep those pearly white teeth, healthy and bright!

Read more: Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?

Coffee

If you want white teeth, then you might want to cut back on that cup of joe.

Tea 

Tea is no better than coffee, as it can also stain your teeth.

Energy and sports drinks

These drinks are high in sugar, and acidity, which means they attack your tooth enamel.

Soda

The sugar and acid in these carbonated drinks wreak havoc on your teeth.

Citrus

While citrus juice, such as orange or grapefruit, can be good for you, the acidity in the mix can permanently damage your tooth enamel.

Read more: Understanding pH Balance in the Mouth

Alcohol

The alcohol may have sugars in it, or reduce saliva production in your mouth, affecting your dental health.

And while we’re on the subject, here are a few foods that you might also want to avoid if you want to preserve your dental health. The following food options contain acid that can harm teeth and enamel due to their high levels of sugar and acidity.

• Hard and chewy candies

• Pickles and vinegar

• Crackers

• Dried fruit

But when you do eat these foods, remember that there is a way to protect teeth! Here are a few helpful tips to help you obtain a healthy mouth and a healthy life.

1. Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day and floss once a day. Also, brush your teeth 30 minutes after each meal to keep them clean and avoid the risk for cavities.
2. Wash your mouth out with water after eating or drinking any of these foods.
3. Chew sugar-free gum, or gum with xylitol to help minimize damage.
4. If you’re going to drink sugary or acidic beverages, or eat starchy or sweet foods, do so with a meal, and never before you go to sleep.
5. Drink with a straw, to lessen the contact of these beverages with your teeth.
6. Eat dairy, which contains calcium and other nutrients to repair tooth enamel.
7. Eat vegetables and high-fiber foods because chewing them helps keep your teeth clean.
8. Minimize snacking between meals.

Of course there’s just one thing that will ultimately protect your teeth — take care of them! Brush, floss, and don’t miss your regular dental checkups and cleanings.