Whether you enjoy carbonation or a sweet caffeine boost, soda can be an appealing beverage choice. Unfortunately, the sugars and acids found in soda can contribute to tooth decay and cause cavities. Luckily, if you want to keep your smile intact, there are many thirst-quenching alternatives to drink instead. To help you step away from soda and avoid an emergency trip to the dentist, here are three refreshments to try. 

3 Satisfying Beverages That Are Safer for Teeth Than Soda

1. Fruit-Infused Water

Water is one of the best beverages for teeth, because it helps rinse away cavity-causing food residue and bacteria. It will also help you stay hydrated. This will allow you to produce more saliva to neutralize enamel-destroying acids.

If standard tap water isn’t appealing, there are many ways to infuse it with natural, tooth-friendly flavor. For example, you might squeeze lemon or lime into the glass to add a citrus twist. For a mellow taste, you could also add a few cucumber slices or basil leaves to the cup.

2. Coffee

A cup of coffee can safely replace the caffeine you’d get from soda. While adding sugar and cream to coffee can increase the potential for cavities, you can smooth out the beverage with milk. It’s a healthy alternative that contains tooth-strengthening calcium.

Coffee does contain tannins that can stain teeth. To prevent discoloration, dentists recommend rinsing your mouth with a glass of water after enjoying a latte. You might also try switching to iced coffee and sipping it through a straw to minimize contact with teeth. 

3. Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea that comes in a variety of flavors. The fermentation process creates natural carbonation for a healthier, soda-like sensation. It also features probiotics—a good type of bacteria that can boost immune health, making you less susceptible to oral infections like gum disease. 

However, to avoid needing fillings from the dentist, stay away from kombucha products with added sugars. Since this beverage can include acids, it’s also better to drink it in one sitting rather than sipping on it throughout the day. To minimize enamel wear, rinse your mouth with water after consuming kombucha as well. 

While avoiding sugar can go a long way in protecting your oral health, you still need to seek regular care from a trusted dentist, like those at Four Corners Dental Group. Serving Wasilla and Anchorage, AK, these family dentistry clinics offer in-depth cleanings and oral exams to prevent, detect, and treat cavities early on. To learn more about their affordable dental care options, visit them online. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a friendly dentist, call (907) 258-3384 for the Anchorage location or (907) 376-2790 to speak with the Wasilla team.