From opening wrappers with your teeth to chewing on ice—there are a few activities you may undertake that will make any dentist cringe. When it comes to food and drink, there are even some beverages your dentist would prefer you stay away from. Here, Dr. Michael L. Kinsley, D.M.D. of Perry, GA, reveals the top three drinks to avoid to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

3 Drinks Dentists Recommend You Steer Clear Of

1. Soda

It might be refreshing, but soda is full of sugar—a prime culprit for causing cavities. Soda is also bad news because of its high acid content. These acids break down your protective tooth enamel, allowing sugar and coloring to penetrate the surface of the teeth and set more easily. 

2. Alcohol

You’ve probably already heard that red wine is a surefire way to stain your teeth. In fact, most alcoholic indulgences are harmful for your oral health, causing damage to the tooth enamel. Many booze-laden beverages also have a lot of sugar, which can further contribute to problems like cavities and periodontal disease.

3. Coffee & Tea

If you want to keep your pearly whites shining bright, steer clear of coffee and tea. Both of these drinks stain teeth. If you can’t forego your caffeine, try to at least dilute your coffee with milk—and steer clear of darker tea blends like black tea.

Keeping your intake of these liquids to a moderate level can help keep your smile free of disease and stains. That said, good oral care habits can go a long way in staving off the consequences of a little indulgence. Daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular professional teeth cleanings, can work wonders. If you’re looking for a dentist in the Perry, GA, area, Dr. Michael L. Kinsley, D.M.D. can help. From teeth whitening to root canals, this dental professional has all the cutting edge services you need to maintain a healthy grin. Visit www.perrycosmeticdentist.com  or call (478) 987-1441 to request an appointment.