What Drinks Should We Have on Hand for the Summer Events?

Summer is filled with parties, celebrations, get-togethers, and beach time. And all of these events call for drinks and refreshments to stay hydrated and keep everyone’s spirits alive. But if you’re a tooth-conscious individual, it’s important to know what different kinds of drinks can do to your teeth. Let’s find out what drinks are the best and worst for your teeth.

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The Most Tooth-Damaging Summer Drinks

Before you blend those drinks and serve them to your guests, here are some of the beverages you should avoid if you don’t want to damage your teeth.

1. Soda. Soda, especially dark-colored ones, are filled with sugar and the carbonation makes these drinks highly acidic. Acidity can erode tooth enamel and allow easier penetration by bacteria, while sugar promotes bacterial growth.
2. Wine. Red wine has a very vivid pigment that stains the teeth, and the alcohol content of both red and white wines can also erode tooth enamel. Alcohol is naturally acidic and contains sugar which contributes to tooth decay.
3. Beer. Like wine, beer is an alcoholic beverage. It’s acidic and contains sugar. It also works as a diuretic which means the body loses water as you drink it. This can affect saliva production and reduce the teeth’s natural defenses. Dark beers can also stain the teeth.
4. Lemonade. Although it doesn’t have alcohol, lemonade is like beer on teeth. It has a very high acid content and it’s also loaded with sugar, unless you can take the raw tartness of lemon juice.
5. Juice mix. Juice mixes like Kool Aid are filled with sugar, as does powdered iced tea.

The Most Tooth-Friendly Summer Drinks

If you want to keep your teeth healthy while enjoying some refreshing summer drinks, here are some choices for you.

1. Milk. Plain milk is the best beverage for teeth, providing lots of calcium and vitamin D. However, what fun is plain milk at parties? Spice it up by making milkshake, mixing fresh fruits with milk, and blending it or adding a concentrate to enhance the natural flavor. Go easy on the sugar, though, because too much sugar will overpower the health benefits of milk.
2. Root beer. Any kind of soda is bad for the teeth, but if you really want soda, World Dental recommends root beer. It has the lowest sugar content and acidity compared to most soft drinks. Add a lot of ice to dilute the acidity even further.
3. Fresh fruit juice. Fresh fruit juice is not the from-concentrate ones found in cans or tetra packs, but rather from freshly squeezed fruits. Some manufacturers sell real, fresh fruit juice which you can identify according to the label. Pulpy fruit juices are often the real thing. Fresh fruit juices are slightly acidic but their nutrient content can contribute to overall health.
4. Light-colored tea. White and green teas have valuable nutrients which are good for the body and for the teeth. They work like water in replenishing saliva and reducing bacterial growth. Make tea fun by adding ice to it!
5. Water. Water is the best beverage for teeth, but it’s not as enjoyable as soda or fruit juice. A good pointer to follow is to always drink water after eating. Rinsing the mouth with water reduces acidity and washes away food, bacteria, and other foreign substances in between teeth.
6. Hops beer. Beer made from hops has a healthier acidity from tannins. It’s not as strong as regular malt beer and it also has a lighter color which doesn’t stain teeth as much.

Post-Drinking Dental Care at Boones Ferry Dental

After all of your summer picnics and get-togethers, it’s time to visit Boones Ferry Dental Clinic for a dental exam. Our senior dentist Dr. Patrick Morrissey will check your teeth for any signs of damage. After thorough observation, Dr. Morrissey will give treatment recommendations to ensure that any impending dental problem is treated immediately.

Don’t take your dental health for granted, no matter how tempting the food on the table is. Spending summer with friends and family is much more enjoyable if you have healthy and strong teeth!

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