It is well known that excessive consumption of sugary beverages can destroy our teeth. Sugar promotes bacterial growth on teeth, eroding the protective enamel and causing cavities. However, this is not the only component that could destroy your teeth.

The founder of the dentistry and healthcare marketing firm Prav, Prav Solanki, exclusively told Express.co.uk: “People don’t usually think much about what they are drinking and the effects that drinks have on our health, specifically our teeth.

“Being careless about what we drink can cause discoloration of teeth, cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal diseases.

“Many of the damaging drinks are definitely tasty, but that taste comes with its own share of disadvantages and risks when consumed regularly.”

Yes, coffee

He said, “Coffee is known to discolor the teeth and can also stain teeth.

According to a paper published in the Journal of Physics, “the chlorogenic acid compound in a coffee bean can cause external discoloration of the tooth enamel.”

Since drinking too much coffee can also wear down the enamel and promote dental sensitivity, Mr. Solanki advised sipping coffee using a straw to prevent direct contact with the teeth.

“Coffee is also slightly acidic which can contribute to the breakdown of enamel. Not to mention that added sugars can increase the risk of cavities,” he continued.

Milk

We’ve all heard that drinking dairy milk will strengthen your teeth, but putting milk on your teeth for an extended length of time, like overnight, will cause the lactose in milk to increase cavities, according to Mr. Solanki. This is due to lactose being a type of sugar.

“Try drinking unsweetened almond milk instead as it has zero grams of sugar while dairy milk has 12 grams per eight-ounce serving.”

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the US claims that “all types of milk” can cause cavities if “inappropriately consumed”.

“For example, cavities on the upper front teeth can develop if a baby with teeth is put to bed at night with a bottle of milk. However, plain cow’s milk typically does not cause cavities if it is given in a cup with meals.”

In addition, it emphasizes the high sugar content of flavored milks.

Flavoured water

Despite the fact that flavoring water has less sugar than other drinks, Mr. Solanki cautioned that these beverages are frequently laced with fruit acids.

Even when oranges and lemons are added to water, they have an adverse effect on teeth. Even when they are not in close contact with the teeth, the acid dissolves the enamel.

The Nutrition Research Journal presented a study that established the connection between acidic drinks and tooth decay.

It said: “Dental erosion associated with consumption of acidic beverages is a potential oral health concern.

“Patients with high consumption of acidic beverages, decreased salivary flow, prolonged beverage holding habits, or mouth breathing could be at an increased risk for dental erosion.”

Sparkling water and bottled water

“These waters may not necessarily be a bad drink for your teeth, but there are better options to consider,” Mr. Solanki added.

“Bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride and sparkling water is more acidic, which can wear down the enamel of teeth.”

Carbonated water has detrimental effects on etched or sealed enamel, causing a loss in microhardness and the removal of the adhesive material, according to a report published in the Korean Journal of Orthodontics.

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