Maintaining a bright, healthy smile is important for your self-esteem and overall dental health. Whether you’re having an orthodontic treatment or just had your teeth whitened, one of your top concerns should be the beverages you frequently consume. Some drinks are more damaging to your teeth than others, and it’s important to know which beverages to choose and which to avoid. Here’s a simple guide.

The following are four tooth-friendly drinks:

• Water: Water is incredibly beneficial to your overall health, and that includes your teeth and gums. If you’re undergoing an orthodontic treatment, you were probably told to drink water with meals to wash away decay-causing food, but this is actually true for everyone, whether they have braces or not. 
• Milk: Milk contains calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which are essential for keeping your teeth and bones healthy. Research has shown milk can reduce tooth decay through its casein proteins, which form a coating over your teeth to protect the enamel.
• White Tea: If you’re a tea drinker, choose a white variety instead of black or green. The darker teas can stain your teeth and should be avoided. If you need an energy boost, look for a white tea with a bit of caffeine.
• Clear Cocktails: If you’re headed for a night out, consider ordering cocktails made with clear ingredients to prevent stains. Some options are a gin and tonic or a mojito.

Similarly, avoid these four beverages:

• Coffee: This is the top culprit when it comes to stains and discoloration. But, breaking a caffeine habit can be hard. If you can’t live without coffee, consider cutting back to every other day, and order an iced coffee that can be sipped with a straw.
• Soda: The acids and artificial colorings in soda discolor teeth and damage tooth enamel, which is especially harmful for patients with orthodontic appliances. The sugar in soda can also cause cavities. If you can, break your pop habit and choose a healthier beverage.
• Wine: Red wine is acidic and loaded with tannins, which will stain your teeth. Although white wine is a bit better, it still contains acids, which are not enamel friendly.
• Fruit Juice: Don’t be fooled by the word “fruit”; some of these drinks are loaded with sugar. In addition, they have a lot of acid, and the dark-colored juices (such as cranberry) leave stains.
   

Are you looking to brighten your smile with a tooth-whitening treatment, or do you need general or emergency dentistry or maybe an expert in orthodontics? BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, offers a full range of dental treatments, from tooth implants to root canals. For an appointment, contact their experienced dental professionals at (907) 486-3257, or visit their website for more information.