The holidays will be here before you know it, and with them comes a number of parties and get-togethers where food and drink are bound to take center stage. Accordingly, the dentists at Kaimuki Dental Group strive to give their patients in Honolulu, HI, the information they need to make informed decisions about their oral health. For instance, did you know certain drinks can greatly diminish the brightness of your smile?

Bright Smile Tips From Your Local Dentist: Steer Clear of These 5 Drinks

Energy Drinks

While energy drinks are great for giving a much-needed boost during extended holiday shopping excursions, they can really wreak havoc on the whiteness of your teeth. This is because energy drinks are highly acidic, which will degrade the enamel on your teeth and cause dark stains to come through. Try getting enough rest and eating right to boost your energy if you’re feeling sluggish.

Coffee

Coffee is another culprit when it comes to the staining of teeth. Between the dark color of coffee and its high acid content, it can easily diminish the brightness of your smile if too much is consumed. If you are an avid coffee drinker, consider undergoing teeth whitening to boost the look of your smile.

Red Wine

Similarly, dentists also caution against the consumption of red wine due to concerns about staining. Tannins (a component of red wine) can result in the teeth taking on an unsightly gray hue. You can mitigate the effects by taking a toothbrush with you on your holiday travails so that you can brush your teeth when needed.

Tea

While tea can definitely be good for you, it’s not always the best for your teeth. Once again, tannins are the major concern, and as a result can cause staining. Tea is less acidic than coffee, so you if you need to drink one, tea is the preferred option.

Soda

Sugary, carbonated drinks should be avoided from this holiday season to the next. Sodas cause enamel to weaken, which lets in surface stains while also giving way to the darker tooth material under the surface enamel. Sugar also increases the growth of bacteria, which can lead to decay.

From dental implants to whitening treatments, Kaimuki Dental Group has earned the trust of Honolulu residents thanks to a combination of skill and compassionate demeanor. Schedule your next appointment with a skilled and capable dentist by calling (808) 737-7905 today. You can also visit them online to learn more about the services provided.