The Truth About Sugary Drinks and Your Smile
Sweetened drinks are without a doubt some of the most ubiquitous beverages in our culture today. These sugary drinks can be found virtually everywhere, from the fridges of gas stations and convenience stores, to the vending machines in offices and supermarkets. Despite the fact that most people indulge in these drinks regularly, the truth of the matter is that they are not healthy, and in most cases, can cause serious health problems. This is especially true when it comes to oral and dental health.
Our mouths contain bacteria that eat the sugars that we consume, and create acid as a by-product. When the acid accumulates, it corrodes the teeth and gums, leading to a myriad of dental diseases such as plaque, cavities, and periodontal disease. Some beverages such as apple juice are often falsely marketed as sugar-free, which prompts people to buy them. However, these are often just as harmful to dental health as carbonated sugary drinks. In light of this, it is important to take the right steps to protect your teeth from damage.
One of the most effective ways of doing this is by eliminating sugar from your diet and beverages. If that seems like an impractical move, you may want to consider replacing sodas with healthier options such as smoothies and fruit punch. Instead of consuming high-calorie energy drinks and sodas, it would be best to indulge in healthier drinks such as water, milk, plain tea or diluted juice. These have little or no sugar, which means they won’t provide the bacteria in your mouth with fodder for acid creation. As a result, you will be able to prevent tooth decay and protect your smile.
However, if you still feel the need to indulge in sugary drinks, there are certain practices that you can employ to protect your teeth from damage. These include:
Drink Your Beverages Instead of Sipping
Sipping sugary beverages slowly provides more time for bacteria to consume sugar and create acid. Drinking quickly, on the other hand, allows your body to eliminate the harmful substances much faster.
Drink Fluoridated Water
Fluoride can help protect your teeth by eliminating bacteria, thus reducing the risk for cavities and tooth decay.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly to get rid of harmful bacteria that might cause plaque and tooth decay.
Take Away
While sugary beverages might be fun to drink, they are very detrimental to your dental health in the long run. If you have been consuming significant amounts of sweetened beverages, it is absolutely crucial that you adopt the proper lifestyle changes to protect your smile.
Eliminating sugary beverages is a good starting point when it comes to protecting your teeth. If you have to indulge in soft drinks and other sugary beverages, however, ensure that you take the necessary steps to maintain the health of your teeth and protect your smile.
It’s as simple as that!