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Options of Drinks That Are Not Harmful to Your Teeth and Gums

Posted on 3/20/2019 by Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS

Let's face it. You can't get through the day without drinking something. For those of you who are concerned about your oral health or would like to have the whitest teeth possible, you have to choose what you drink wisely. Unless you are drinking tap water you won't know for sure if what you're drinking is good for your teeth.

The choices of fluids to drink seem to increase every day. Even water, bottled from springs or filtered or distilled municipal supplies, now include vitamins, flavors, infusions of fruit and more. But are they good for your teeth?

What Should I Look for in a Drink?

Though you would think pure, bottled water would be the best, it only is as long as you use fluoride toothpaste. Bottled water doesn't contain fluoride, which protects your teeth. Most municipal water systems have fluoride added to them, so you then get the benefit from tap water. The American Dental Association recommends 8 – 12 cups of fluoridated water daily to protect your teeth.

Next look for drinks that add nutrition such as low-fat or non-fat milk, or fruit drinks that contain at least 50 percent juice but have no added sweeteners. In these, watch for sucrose, fructose, and high fructose corn syrup. These are added sugars that will leave sugary deposits on your teeth that can lead to tooth decay.

What Should I Avoid?
Some drinks you should avoid are obvious, like soft drinks that are not diet soft drinks. Unfortunately, drinking diet soft drinks does not necessarily protect you either. They can contain acids that decay your teeth. If you drink either of these. Use a straw. It helps to get the damaging ingredients past your teeth.

If you are concerned more about having white teeth, then you should avoid coffee, tea, sports drinks, energy drinks, cola and other types of soda drinks. Need more ideas? Then give our office a call today!

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"You are put at ease the minute you walk into their new office on Broad Rd. Beautiful and calming surroundings. The staff couldn't be more helpful and are extremely friendly. Dr. Pliszczak is exactly what you want in a Dentist. Always concerned with your comfort, I never feel rushed, and I enjoy here friendly manner. And because of all of their meticulously thorough work, My teeth are as healthy as can be!!! Thank you Dr. Pliszczak, Jade and Nancy" ~Roamy F.