What Acidic Beverages Are Doing To Your Teeth

Coffee, tea, juice, and soda…all of these beverages are regularly consumed by millions of Americans each day as part of what they may think are healthy diets. Did you know, however, that these drinks leave a film on your teeth that contributes to decay and hastens the development of degenerative gum disease?

Your teeth may be healthy, but they are not indestructible. Sugary, acidic food and drink can cause wear and tear on your teeth, breaking down protective enamel and leaving delicate inner structures vulnerable to disease and decay. Once the damage has begun, it is difficult to reverse the process at home; you will need your dentist’s help to care for your teeth from that point on proactively.

What Substances Are Detrimental To My Oral Health?

In general, the more acidic or sticky a food or drink is, the more potential it has to damage your teeth. Candies, sweet sauces, and other substances leave a sticky coating on your teeth that begins to form plaque, a substance that clings to teeth and gradually wears down protective enamel. Acidic drinks, although they are merely passing by teeth as swallowed, also have the potential to harm teeth and cause erosion and decay of teeth and gums.

Dangers Of Acidic Drinks Drinks with a high acid content can eat away at outer layers of protective enamel on teeth, rendering them susceptible to decay. Unfortunately, enamel erosion is not a reversible condition, and once damage has occurred, it is nearly impossible to rebuild this enamel.

When tooth enamel erodes, it leaves the underlying soft tissue called dentin exposed. Dentin is light yellow, and looking for signs of discoloration in your mouth is a good indicator of when enamel has begun to wear thin. When dentin is exposed, your teeth will become sensitive to heat, cold, and all types of sweet and spicy foods, making it painful to eat and drink. If this condition persists, it can have adverse effects on diet and nutrition, and the vicious cycle of compromising dental health continues.

What Drinks Are Acidic?

Studies now indicate that all types of soda, including diet and sugar-free drinks, are detrimental to oral health. Even one glass a day of pop has been known to have adverse effects on teeth and gums.

Citrus fruits and juices have cause enamel erosion. Consider the Ph of these juices similar to the acid found in a battery! Taking that extra glass of orange juice with breakfast in the morning doesn’t seem like such a good idea anymore.

Sports drinks are another culprit, as they may contain chemicals that contribute to a higher Ph level. Despite the sports drink label, they may also contain higher amounts of sugar that also contribute to oral degeneration.

Wine and certain types of alcohol also have a very high acid content, with white wine being slightly more acidic than red wine. It is best to consume these beverages in moderation or avoid consuming them at all.

Coffee with extra add-ins, such as sugar, artificial sweetener, and sugary creams spell more harm to the enamel of your teeth and are setting the stage for decay. If you must consume coffee, consider drinking it black.

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What Beverages Can I Consume? 

Protect your teeth and maintain good oral health; it is essential to reduce your intake of these sugary and acidic drinks. Acceptable alternatives to damaging beverages are:

  • Milk

  • Water (lots and lots of water)

  • Seltzer water

  • Black Tea or Green Tea

  • Black Coffee

If you are consuming or planning to consume an acidic drink, consider doing so with food, or plan to brush and rinse out your mouth thirty minutes after drinking. If you brush sooner, you risk further damage to tooth structures, as acid may still be present on teeth.

How Can I Proactively Manage My Dental Health? 

If your teeth are already damaged due to your consumption of acidic and sugary food and drink, rest assured that your dental professionals can help. Using an enamel building toothpaste, rinsing with a fluoride solution regularly, and continuing to brush and floss twice daily will clean areas on and around teeth, reducing the risk of further decay.

If you are in need of more corrective measures, your dentist can suggest procedures such as veneers, crowns, and bonding to cover up damaged enamel and strengthen teeth. Your dentist will assess your particular needs and work with you to determine the best course of action to restore the health of your mouth.

Being proactive when managing your oral care is the best thing you can do for yourself. Maintaining proper oral hygiene practices, committing to eating and drinking healthy foods, and making regular trips to your dentist will ensure that you stay on the path to optimum oral health.

For the Best Dental Care Consider Dr. Gordon E. Krueger DDS, MS, PA For Your Needs

Dr. Krueger and his team have over 25 years of experience in the care and restoration of beautiful smiles. Whether your needs are for a quick polish or more intensive treatments, they are prepared to partner with you to create your vibrant oral health. Dr. Krueger of St. Petersburg, Florida is the most popular choice and often referred in the Tampa Bay metro for advanced dental work such as crowns, bridges, implants, veneers and more. Better health is just a click away; contact https://www.gordonekruegerdds.com today for more information and an appointment for a dental evaluation and wellness visit.

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