Without proper brushing, anyone can severely damage their teeth, leaving to cosmetic dental work and other dental needs. While you might not think anything about the beverages you consume, your teeth can be severely damaged from continual exposure to chemicals found in many popular beverages. Below is a list of the popular beverages and how they can negatively impact your teeth and potentially lead to future cosmetic dental work.
Teas and Coffees. Teas and coffees are hard on teeth enamel. Their dark colors stain teeth and make teeth look yellow or brown. While the caffeine in teas and coffees do not directly affect teeth in a negative way, teas and coffees are hard on teeth.
Fruit Juices. Dark fruit juices like blueberry, pomegranate, and grape, can stain teeth if overexposed. Orange juice is extremely acidic and can damage tooth enamel, making cavities more prevalent. Dark juices can stain teeth over time if not rinsed properly.
Sodas and Carbonated Beverages. While many people believe that caffeine is the problematic agent found in beverages, while caffeine is problematic for the body and addictive in nature, it is not what makes sodas and carbonated beverages bad for teeth. The phosphoric acids found in sodas and carbonated beverages act as a corrosive agent that wears away tooth enamel. When a tooth does not have the proper amount of enamel, it is more susceptible to bacteria and eventually to cavities.
Long term exposure to enamel and staining agents can cause dirty and dingy looking teeth that might require cosmetic dentistry later in life. To prevent tooth damage, reduce the amount of previously mentioned beverages you consume. If you must drink them, drink them through a straw. Also, drink substitutes such as drinks with less sugar and less acid. Beverage suggestions include water, milk, 100% juice and colorless juices that are low in sugar. Rinse with water after drinking soft drinks and flush food particles and sugars out of your mouth after eating. Use toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel and consider cosmetic dentistry to fix damaged teeth. With help from you, you can help to stop or prevent enamel damage from sodas and popular beverages.