What Common Drinks Can Be Harmful to Your Oral Health?

August 17, 2024

Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being. While most people know the importance of brushing and flossing, many overlook the impact of their beverage choices.

Certain drinks can significantly harm your teeth and gums, leading to issues such as tooth decay, enamel erosion, and gum disease. Here, we take a closer look at some common drinks that can pose risks to your oral health.

Soda and Soft Drinks

Sugar-sweetened sodas and soft drinks are among the worst drinks for your oral health. These beverages are typically high in sugar, which causes the bacteria in your mouth to produce harmful acids to break them down. These acids can erode tooth enamel, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay.

Sodas and soft drinks also tend to have a low pH, making them more acidic, in addition to their high sugar content. Drinks that have a low pH can further erode tooth enamel and make teeth more vulnerable to decay [1].

Fruit Juices

Many think fruit juices are healthy, especially if it’s 100% juice. However, this isn’t necessarily true. These drinks have high levels of natural sugars and acids that can contribute to tooth decay [2].

Juice that isn’t 100% fruit or contains added sugars poses an even greater risk. Opting for whole fruits instead of juice is a healthier choice, as they contain fiber and fewer concentrated sugars.

Sports and Energy Drinks

Sports and energy drinks, like sodas and fruit juices, have high levels of sugar and acids that can lead to enamel erosion and cavities [3]. Energy drinks also contain high amounts of caffeine, which can dry out the oral cavity, leading to dry mouth.

Dry mouth can contribute to tooth decay because it causes an imbalance of oral bacteria and less saliva—a recipe for enamel erosion and bad breath.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol can significantly impact your oral health. Alcoholic drinks can lead to dry mouth, which reduces saliva production. Saliva is essential because it helps wash away food particles and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.

In addition, many cocktails and mixed drinks are high in sugar, and the acid in wine, especially white wine, can erode enamel. Combined with their acidic nature, alcoholic beverages are considered some of the worst for your oral health.

Consuming alcoholic drinks can also irritate the soft tissues of the oral cavity, including the tongue and gums, not to mention alcohol is also a significant risk factor for oral cancer [4].

Coffee and Tea

While coffee and tea certainly have their health benefits, they can also impact your oral health if consumed excessively.

Both drinks can stain teeth over time due to their dark pigments and tannins. Additionally, sugary coffee drinks and sweetened teas can contribute to tooth enamel erosion and decay.

It’s best to enjoy these beverages without added sugars and rinse your mouth with water afterward to mitigate staining and acid damage.

Did Any of These Drinks Surprise You?

Did any of the common drinks on this list surprise you? By understanding which beverages can be harmful and taking proactive measures, you can protect your smile and your oral health. Remember that hydration is crucial for both your body and your smile, and water is the best beverage, so choose water whenever possible for a healthier mouth and body!