A dentist has revealed the worst drink for your tooth health, and it’s not what you might imagine. Dr Deepa Chopra, the principle dentist at Whites Dental, has shared the drinks that could be damaging your teeth.
She told the Express that the drinks that cause the most damage to teeth are those that mix high sugar with high acidity. She said: “Sugar actually feeds the bacteria that cause decay, while acid can soften and erode enamel, wich is the protective outer layer of the tooth.” Dr Chopra said that people would be surprised that drinks marketed as “healthy” can still be very damaging to teeth: “Kombucha, for example, is produced through fermentation, which makes it acidic. Studies have found kombucha can soften enamel significantly because its pH is very low.” The dentist said that fruit juices and smoothies are another drink that can be very damaging.
Even though the sugars are natural, they still feed cavity-causing bacteria, and citrus fruits in particular contain acids that can contribute to enamel wear if consumed frequently.
Dr Chopra added: “Sports and energy drinks can also be a problem. Many contain citric acid, which has been shown in studies to have a strong erosive effect on your enamel.”
The dentist, not wanting to spoil any fun, said: “If people do enjoy these kind of drinks, having them with meals rather than sipping throughout the day, and following with water, can make a big difference to protecting your teeth.”
She said that, from a dental perspective, the safest everyday drink is still water. It hydrates the mouth, helps rinse away food and bacteria, and doesn’t expose the teeth to sugar or acid.
Another good option is milk. It is rich in calcium, which supports bone health and strong tooth enamel. Milk can also neutralise acids in your mouth and remineralise enamel.
Fizzy water is also less damaging, provided it is unsweetened and unflavoured. Coconut water is also a good way to quench your thirst and is loaded with potassium, calcium, magnesium, and electrolytes.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
