Every time you step into a mini-mart, you are faced with a host of options to quench your thirst. A rainbow of colors in plastic bottles compete for your attention, and creative marketing often transforms sugared water into a fountain of youth. When it comes to your teeth, does it matter what you choose? How …
Every time you step into a mini-mart, you are faced with a host of options to quench your thirst. A rainbow of colors in plastic bottles compete for your attention, and creative marketing often transforms sugared water into a fountain of youth. When it comes to your teeth, does it matter what you choose? How does a bottle of cola or a sports drink affect your teeth and general health?
Everybody knows most of these drinks include a lot of sugar, but its easy to over look how much they carry. A little quick math can help you visualize the carbohydrate burst that occurs with the first sip. The typical label on a soda bottle indicates you’ll consume over 19 teaspoons of sugar on an average.
The bacteria that causes cavities use sugar for energy and produce acidic waste that erodes tooth enamel. Syrupy drinks provide an ideal power source to keep this population thriving while instigating an insulin spike in the bloodstream. The colossal sugar load also drives the liver to convert sugar into fat. From cavities to cancer, sugared drinks help fuel many of the health problems affecting people today.
LIMIT THE DAMAGE
The best strategy for the sake of your teeth and overall health is to enjoy fresh water on a regular basis . If you are going to drink soda, consider the following tips:
- Drink soda or sports drinks through a straw to minimize your teeth’s exposure.
- Rinse with water right after drinking one of these beverages.
- Avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after drinking the beverage. This practice allows your mouth to return to normal pH before the teeth undergo the light abrasion of brushing.
- Avoid drinks that list acids on the ingredient label.
If you consume a sports drink during strenuous exercise or enjoy an occasional soda with a meal, there’s not a lot of reason to worry.. Commit to keep sugar exposure to a minimum and drink more fresh water. Your teeth and your body will thank you!
