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There’s always been a lot of talk about which beverages and foods you should avoid if you want to improve your dental health. It’s common knowledge that drinking coffee can leave unpleasant stains on your tooth enamel, sugary sodas can cause cavities and adult beverages like beer and wine can wreak havoc on your oral health. However, there are several tasty beverages that won’t just help you steer clear of these side effects, but can benefit your overall dental health. If you’re wondering what to fill your cup with for a more healthy, radiant smile, then raise a glass to these drinks for your dental health.

“How’s My Flossing?”

Flossing is a topic that too many of us avoid when it comes to our dentist appointments. Instead of waiting for your dentist to ask you if you have been flossing, try asking them how you should be flossing. You might be surprised at the answers you receive! Even if you floss regularly, your dentist will likely be able to show you some different techniques to make your flossing game even stronger.

Green Tea

While its counterpart black tea is known to cause stains similar to coffee, green tea is a mouth’s best friend. Despite its high levels of acidity, green tea is naturally light in color, making it less likely to leave unsightly stains on your tooth enamel. Most importantly, green tea comes with a high density of polyphenols, an organic compound that can work wonders for your dental health. Polyphenols contain antibacterial qualities that can help prevent bad bacteria from affecting your teeth and gums. Additionally, green tea is known for its antioxidant properties which help fight off damaging free radicals in the body as a whole. So, brew yourself a nice cult of green tea and your dentist will thank you!

Milk

You’ve heard the expression that milk does a body good - and your teeth are no exception! The biggest reason for milk’s positive impact on your dental health is its high potency of both calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is essential for building strong bones, and your teeth fall into this same category. Even better, a calcium-rich diet promotes a strong jaw bone, which lessens your likelihood of experiencing tooth decay later on in life. Vitamin D is necessary for your body to be able to absorb essential nutrients like calcium. Without it, you would suffer from a calcium deficiency that could result in tooth decay and gum disease. However, if cow’s milk is not an option for you, you can opt for an alternative such as coconut or almond milk. Just be sure to check that it has been labeled “calcium-fortified.”

Tap Water

That’s right, your dental health can be improved by skipping the bottled water and drink straight from the tap, at least every once in a while. Both bottled water and tap water share the same ability to keep you hydrated, but tap can offer you an extra boost of fluoride that filtered water can’t. Used commonly in dental hygiene products, fluoride is a chemical that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. If you want to take your oral care up a notch, consider substituting bottled water for a glass of tap water once a day.

Conclusion

There’s no need to deprive yourself of the beverages you already love. Practicing moderation and substituting for a healthier alternative, when you can, will take you a long way in improving your dental health.

Dr. Julie Liberman DDS of Great Neck Dental Care NY proudly serves patients of all ages in the Great Neck area, spanning New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Douglaston, Jericho, Roslyn, etc. Book your checkup today to talk more about other foods and drinks that help your teeth.