Sugar is bad for your teeth, that’s a matter of fact.  Exposure to highly acidic foods and drinks is another contributing factor for the invasion of tooth decay.  Any product that combines the two poses a double threat.  Soft drinks, for instance, are a perfect example.  Even the sugar-free type contains enough acid to do significant damage to your tooth enamel.  Water is the much better, and healthier choice of beverage.

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water, at this point your body is already dehydrated.  The best way to stay hydrated is to keep a glass of water on hand to sip from throughout the day.  In comparison, there is a little saying that applies directly to soft drinks and goes “Sip all day, get decay.”  Professionals recommend that if you do drink a cola or a citrus juice use a straw to minimize the direct exposure of your tooth enamel and rinse with water – good old water – afterward.  The acidic content of these drinks weakens the enamel on contact so wait at least thirty minutes before brushing.

Saliva is nature’s way of flushing out any leftover food particles that might otherwise get stuck in between your teeth and lead to decay.  Drinking plenty of water will help to increase the flow of your saliva.  Chewing sugarless gum also produces more saliva. Are you a statistic?

Meadow Hills Dental provides a wide range of cosmetic and general dental services appropriate to all members of your family.  Call 303-625-6757 today.