The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADAH) recently shared that roughly 80% of Americans will develop tooth decay by the age of 17. Furthermore, about 50% of adults in the U.S. have gum disease. The good news is that brushing and flossing aren’t your only defenses against cavities – what you drink can help too! So, keep reading to learn three beverages that can help you keep your smile happy and healthy!
3 Beverages That Can Help Fight Cavities
In short, what you eat and drink directly affects the condition of your teeth. To help keep them decay-free, try drinking:
- Green tea – From improving mental alertness to helping manage weight, green tea offers several benefits. Now, you can add cavity-fighting to the list! Green tea controls bacteria, lowers the acidity of saliva, and isn’t high in sugar, making it the perfect morning beverage or afternoon pick-me-up.
- Milk – For decades, milk has been known for its smile-related benefits. In addition to strengthening your jawbone, it protects your enamel and fights tooth decay.
- Coffee – Yes, coffee has also been proven to help fight cavities! When researchers studied a random sample of 1000 individuals, they found that this caffeinated beverage helped prevent tooth decay when consumed without additives, like cream and sugar.
A Few Drinks That Increase Your Chances of Developing Cavities
Of course, it’s just as important to steer clear of drinks that increase your chances of developing cavities. One of the biggest offenders is soda. In addition to having a high amount of sugar, the dark color can quickly cause your teeth to stain. So, it’s best to keep your consumption of this beverage to a minimum. It’s also a good idea to do the same for other sugary items, including energy and sports drinks.
5 Additional Ways to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
In addition to being mindful of what you drink, you should implement the following best practices to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Brush for a full two minutes each morning and evening
- Floss and rinse with mouthwash daily
- Get a dental checkup and cleaning every six months
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Quit smoking, biting your nails, and other unhealthy dental habits
While drinking beverages like green tea and coffee alone won’t protect your teeth, it can go a long way in the fight against cavities. Just make sure to use a straw to help prevent stubborn stains!
About the Practice
With a focus on quality, a highly-trained team, and state-of-the-art technology, our team at Long Family Dental is proud to help patients in and around Midlothian smile. With routine preventive care and essential restorative dentistry, we can help you keep your teeth decay-free too! If you want to learn more about how your diet impacts your oral health or you’re overdue for your six-month checkup, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (972) 775-3192.