Did you fall under the impression that all clear drinks are safe for your oral health, only to suddenly realize this might not really be quite right? Perhaps you began by assuming all clear beverages are safe when you’re trying to avoid stains but somewhere along the way, you got your signals mixed up! Whatever the case, our Springfield, OH team knows that this topic can cause a lot of confusion, so we’d like to walk you through some important reminders about clear drinks and what to consider before you sip!

Water

While we could categorize water in the “perfectly fine” category in terms of its effects on your oral health, we’re going to do a bit better and create a category just for H2O called the amazingly beneficial for your smile category. Drink as much as you’d like! It’s good for your smile because:

• It rinses it clean
• It increases moisture (which your smile and body both need)
• It is neutral, so it won’t lead to any type of damage
• It cannot stain!

Clear Sodas

In short, all sodas are dangerous for your smile. Whether they are diet or full of sugar, the fact is that they are very acidic. So, they can damage your enamel, which means multiple things for your oral health and your grin in general:

• Weak enamel is more likely to result in damaged teeth
• Weak enamel is more susceptible to tooth decay
• Damaged enamel is more vulnerable to staining (so clear sodas can set the stage for discoloration when you consume other drinks and foods that are full of intense color)

Sparkling Water

We know that this can cause a bit of confusion for patients because when you see the sparkles, you may associate carbonation with oral health damage. However, it’s actually perfectly okay to drink sparkling water. Remember, the problem with soda isn’t the bubbles. It’s the acidity (and any added sugar).

White Wine

Take a hint from clear soda and remember that wine is another very acidic drink, which means consuming it on a regular basis can make your smile more likely to become stained over time.

Clear Sports Drinks

“It’s not neon orange, yellow, red, pink, or green!” you say with a smile. What a relief. You found a clear sports drinks that helps you replenish your electrolytes (or that just tastes really good, anyway!) and it’s clear. So, that means it won’t leave stains, right? It won’t cause damage either, right? Again, though there aren’t dyes to stain your teeth, you still have to contend with serious acidity and possibly sugar, both of which can lead to oral health damage and promote staining. Do your best to stick with water (or rinse after consumption, should you determine that your workout really does call for some serious rehydrating).

Protect Teeth With Helpful Insight!

When you’re feeling quite unsure about some of your daily choices and the way they might impact your oral health, remember to bring them to our attention! Ask questions and we will offer the insight you need. Ready for your checkup in Springfield, OH? Schedule your appointment with North Spring Dental today by calling 937.399.3800.