Dr. Ben Lambeth, DDS & Dr. Megumi Lambeth, DDS

310 East Main St., Suite 335 | Carrboro, NC 27510

Worst Drinks for Your Teeth

a toast with two glasses of red wine

Keeping your teeth pearly white is often a priority for many of our patients. Although people keep up with a proper oral hygiene routine, some people forget that your diet significantly impacts your teeth.

Drinks can stain your teeth or cause tooth decay. Here are six of the worst drinks for your teeth.

1. Soda

Soda contains sugar and acid – both ingredients are bad for your teeth. Harmful bacteria eat sugar leading to tooth decay, and acid can wear down the enamel of your teeth. The dark liquid can also lead to teeth stains.

2. Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are popular because they help with hydration and provide the body with electrolytes. Like soda, they contain a lot of sugar and acid that is bad for your teeth.

3. Fruit Juice

Not all juice is bad for your teeth, but some of them aren’t good for you. Fruit juice can contain high concentrations of sugar, leading to tooth decay. Read the label carefully to know what you’re getting with your fruit juice.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol contains high sugar content. You should be extra careful around wines because they are also acidic. Sugar and acid are a combination that leads to cavities and removing enamel. Red wine and other dark liquor can also stain your teeth.

5. Coffee

Coffee may be considered one of the top offenders of causing yellowed teeth. The natural coloring of coffee can stain your teeth. If you drink your coffee with sugar or cream, the extra sugar can lead to cavities.

6. Tea

You should be wary of dark-colored tea like black tea because it can stain your teeth. Green or white tea doesn’t typically cause oral health problems. You should also be mindful of adding sugar to your tea since it can cause tooth decay.

Tips for Keeping Teeth Healthy

We’re not saying to avoid any of the drinks we mentioned. But you should limit your consumption and be mindful of what you drink.

If you do want to drink beverages, here are some tips to keep your teeth healthy:

  • Drink through a straw
  • Rinse your mouth after drinking
  • Drink quickly to limit exposure to your teeth

Need to Schedule an Appointment?

At Milltown Family Dentistry, we can treat a variety of dental issues for the whole family. From preventative care to orthodontics, our dental team covers it all. If you need a dental appointment, please give us a call to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you.

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