Well, the official start of summer is next week, but I’ll revisit my blog entry from last year as a warning about all those fun summer libations. With the summer lifestyle hitting its full stride now in our area, you need a reminder that those hot days will bring a thirst – and you need to make sure to limit certain kinds of drinks. Some drinks that can be bad for your teeth (especially if you have poor dental hygiene to begin with) include:
- Sports drinks
- Soft drinks
- Alcohol
A person certainly needs to be careful to remain hydrated in summer, but too much of these drinks can be an assault on your teeth and by consequence your overall oral health. Studies of dehydration and oral health do not offer conclusive proof of a negative effect (one study even discounts such a link completely), but be aware that dry mouth IS a condition that is a red-flag for future dental problems and that dry mouth is a consequence especially with alcohol.
As to soft drinks and sports drinks, both can contain sugars. If the sugar doesn’t get you, the chemicals in sugar-free drinks are acidic and can cause erosion to teeth. Just about all carbonated beverages can cause such erosion.
Plus, coffee and tea can stain … so rinse your mouth with clean water after meals or enjoying those drinks! Your teeth will thank you in the fall for the care you exhibit this summer.
