We all try to do what is best for our health, but unfortunately there can be a lot of misinformation out there! This makes it difficult to know what is actually healthy to consume, and what just seems healthy as a result of clever marketing. Take our beverages, for instance. Is diet soda really all that much better than regular soda? Are fruit juices really all that great for our health? Let’s put your knowledge to the test! Read on to see which beverages are safe for your teeth, and which are going to lead you straight to the dentist with a toothache.
Good or Bad: Diet Soda?
Most consumers know that sugar is bad for your teeth—and that normal soda is one of the worst offenders—but what about diet soda? After all, they’re sugar free, right? Turns out that diet sodas cause as much damage to your teeth as regular sodas. These beverages are highly acidic, which causes them to be equally as corrosive to your dental enamel.
The answer: Bad.
Good or Bad: Bottled Water?
Water is always great for washing away corrosive acids, plaque, and food debris. This is why we highly recommend drinking water over any other beverage. So is there a difference between tap water and bottled water? Actually, there is. While they’re both still great for your teeth, tap water is typically enhanced with fluoride while bottled water is not. Fluoride helps to fortify your dental enamel and protect your teeth against tooth decay. So if you have a choice between the two, we recommend choosing tap water.
The answer: Good (though not as great as tap water!).
Good or Bad: Milk?
Milk is undoubtedly one of the best drinks for your teeth aside from water. Milk contains high doses of Vitamin D and calcium, both of which strengthen your teeth to ward off tooth decay and gum disease. The beverage also contains a protein called casein, which helps to repair weakened enamel as well. All in all, milk is a safe bet when it comes to the health of your teeth.
The answer: Good.
Good or Bad: Fruit Juice
We know that fruit juices are said to contain a lot of vitamins that are great for your health, but unfortunately they’re not so great for your teeth. Fruit juice is not only high in sugar content; it also can be highly acidic. Drinking too much fruit juice can ultimately lead to tooth decay and cavities if you’re not careful. Instead, you might consider drinking low-sugar vegetable juice—especially ones that contain dark leafy greens like kale or spinach. These vegetables are rich in calcium and B vitamins, which help to strengthen dental enamel and fight gum disease, respectively. Otherwise, if you’re really craving fruit, you may consider eating the actual fruit over the juice—this helps to reduce the amount of sugar you’re consuming.
The answer: Bad.
If you tend to drink a lot of soda or other acidic beverages, the best thing you can do for your teeth is schedule a dentist appointment! Your dentist will check in on the health of your teeth and gums to ensure there are no signs of decay or infection.
To schedule your next appointment, call Downtown Dental in the Loop or River North today!