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For many people, the hot summer weather brings to mind sitting in the shade, enjoying a cool summertime beverage. That’s a pleasant experience that we should all be able to enjoy. But, unfortunately, some of our favorite summertime drinks are the worst beverages for your teeth. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of warm-weather beverages that you should try to limit or, better yet, avoid altogether:
- Lemonade – One of the most popular of all summertime beverages is also the worst choice for your teeth: lemonade. The citric acid and sugar in lemonade are a worst-case scenario for oral health. The acid erodes the enamel layer of teeth, making them more sensitive over time. And the sugar feeds bad bacteria inside the mouth, leaving you at higher risk of developing tooth decay.
- Iced Tea/Iced Coffee – Although these drinks may seem like good alternatives to other summertime beverages, both iced tea and iced coffee badly stain teeth. And if you are already experiencing sensitivity, these iced drinks can make that sensitivity even worse.
- Soda – Sugary soft drinks are some of the poorest choices you can make when it comes to beverages, whether it’s during the summer or any other time of year. The chemicals, acid, and sugar contained in these drinks damage tooth enamel and make you more susceptible to tooth decay. Even sugar-free sodas contain the same harmful acids and chemicals, and that means they’re no better than the sugary alternatives.
- Sports Drinks/Energy Drinks – The same problems with sodas hold true for sports and energy drinks. Some of these beverages advertise their “health benefits,” but the truth is that the vast majority of these drinks contain large amounts of sugar and chemicals, none of which benefit your oral health.
- Beer/Sangria/Wine Coolers – Alcohol is high in sugar, and that means it’s generally bad for your teeth and gums. And when it comes to summertime drinks that contain red wine, the news is even worse: red wine not only contains plenty of sugar, it also erodes tooth enamel and stains your teeth.
Now for the good news: no one is perfect, and we’re not saying that you should never enjoy one of these beverages. But if you do, try to keep it to a minimum for the sake of your teeth and gums. And if you’re looking for the best summertime beverage, look no further than water! Tap water is particularly tooth-healthy if it contains fluoride, which is the case in many municipal water systems. And if you choose bottled water, try to pick one that contains cavity-fight fluoride for even more oral health benefits.
