Thirsty? Protect your teeth from the effects of dental erosion with these drinks!
Teeth are covered and protected by a hard layer of enamel on the outside. While this enamel is incredibly tough, it is not indestructible. Many bad habits and dental practices, like brushing with too much force or grinding your teeth, can wear down the enamel, leading to dental erosion and sensitive teeth. Another thing that can lead to dental erosion is consuming acidic drinks, so an easy way to take care of your enamel is to minimize the amount of acidic fluids you drink throughout the day. The following drinks are great choices that won’t lead to tooth decay later on.
Milk
Milk is actually slightly acidic, but it’s one of the best drinks available to protect your teeth from dental erosion. It is high in calcium, which is the main component of enamel. The calcium in milk can help remineralize weakened enamel if you are starting to notice the first signs of dental erosion. But this effect is limited only to dairy milk. Studies by the Journal of Dentistry concluded that drinking soy milk increased the acidity of mouth bacteria 10 minutes after consumption.
Water
Water is another great choice to help you keep your teeth in good order. It doesn’t have the calcium found in dairy milk for strengthening the enamel, but many public water supplies fluoridate their water. Fluoride plays a big role in strengthening tooth enamel. Also, water doesn’t contain any sugar, so you won’t be at risk of tooth decay by simply drinking it!
Tea
A cup of tea can also be a great option for your teeth, provided you hold the sugar! Japanese studies found that men who drink green tea daily had fewer incidences of gum disease. This is due primarily to the antioxidants present in green tea, which treat and fight inflammation that is caused by oral bacteria. Tea is also usually high in polyphenols and fluoride which play an important role in strengthening tooth enamel and protecting it against dental erosion.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.