You already know you should be avoiding sugar from the obvious sources, like candy and chewing gum. But even if you’re doing your best to cut back on these and other well-known offenders, you probably haven’t considered where else sugar lurks — in your favorite beverages. Read on to find out if you’re setting your teeth up for decay with your hydration selections, and what to do if you are. Your family dentist in Hartford CT is here to help!
Learn where sugar hides best
Sugar is good at hiding — but knowing where it’s likely to lurk can help you protect your mouth and teeth from its harmful effects.
#1: Sugary sodas
This may not come as a surprise, but sodas that contain sugar don’t just have a little. They’re real sugar bombs, making your teeth vulnerable to a host of problems for hours after drinking just one. If you’ve got a soda habit that you just can’t break, try switching to diet, or substituting one with flavored mineral water — it may give you the fizzy feeling you crave, without all the sugary side-effects.
#2: Sports drinks
Nothing tastes better after strenuous activity than your favorite colored sports drink, but there’s some bad news — these beverages can contain almost as much sugar as a soda. Cut down on the sugar without sacrificing too many electrolytes by diluting sports drinks with water — or just switching to pure water alongside a fresh banana or apple.
#3: Sugar in your coffee / tea
We hate to break it to you, but you need to rethink that habit of taking sugar with your coffee or tea for the sake of your oral health — especially if you’re likely to drink sodas or other sugary beverages later in the day.
#4: “Ades”
Lemonade, limeade, orangeade… they all fall into the “ade” category of things that contain far more sugar than you need. That’s why they’re so delicious!
#5: Fruit juices
Yes, they’re often good sources of vitamin C, but fruit juices also do a wonderful job of hiding high amounts of sugar. You can help by diluting the beverage, or skipping it altogether and getting your vitamins through the natural fruit, instead.
Questions? Contact your dentist in 06002 today!
There you have it — five beverages you probably hadn’t realized were opening your teeth up to attack. Avoid cavities and infection by changing your habits, starting today! But even if a spot of decay has already developed, you’ll be relieved to know we offer tooth-colored fillings for Bloomfield CT and all our neighbors.
If you’ve got remaining questions about sugar and your teeth, or if it’s been awhile since your last dental checkup and cleaning, don’t wait to contact us! Request your appointment online today. New patient? Complete this form before your first visit and breeze through registration!