When we talk about how diet can impact your oral health, most people think of candy and other sugary foods. Food choices can play a huge role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but what about drinks?

When it comes to protecting your smile, what you drink matters just as much as food, sometimes even more! Some drinks help protect your teeth, while others do more harm than you might think. Our team at Lake Baldwin Dental is passionate about helping you make smart choices for all the smiles in your family.

Let’s take a look at the best drinks for your teeth and the ones you should try to avoid. We’ll also give you some easy tips to keep your smile bright and healthy!

The Best Drinks for Healthy Teeth

1. Water

Water is the ultimate tooth-friendly drink. It washes away food particles and bacteria, helping to keep your teeth clean throughout the day. Plus, if you drink tap water here in Orlando, it likely contains fluoride, which has long been celebrated as a major public health victory that prevents tooth decay and keeps enamel strong.

Staying hydrated also boosts saliva production, and saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against tooth decay. Bottom line? Drink plenty of water. It’s great for your teeth and your whole body!

2. Milk

Milk is packed with calcium, which keeps your teeth strong and healthy. It also contains phosphorus, another mineral that helps repair enamel. Drinking milk can help neutralize acids in your mouth, lowering your risk of cavities.

But be sure not to let children sip milk in bed, as the sugars in milk can increase their cavity risk overnight. Instead, they should enjoy their last cup (or bottle) and then rinse well with water and brush their teeth before turning in.

If you’re lactose intolerant, look for calcium-fortified alternatives like almond or soy milk. Just be sure to choose unsweetened versions to avoid extra sugar.

3. Green, Black, and Herbal Teas

Green and black teas are full of antioxidants and polyphenols that fight bacteria and reduce inflammation in your gums. Tea is also a natural source of fluoride, which lowers your risk of cavities and keeps your enamel strong. Plus, it boosts the production of antimicrobial peptides that keep bacteria under control and may even reduce bad breath! Herbal teas, like chamomile or peppermint, also have many polyphenols and antioxidants that are good for your oral health while sweetening your breath. Just be sure to sip unsweetened tea and rinse with water after your cuppa to reduce staining.

4. Unsweetened Coconut Water

Coconut water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, and it contains minerals like potassium and magnesium that support oral health. Unlike sports drinks or fruit juices, natural coconut water is low in sugar and not overly acidic. Just be sure to check the label since some brands add sugar, which isn’t good for your teeth.

Drinks to Avoid for a Healthier Smile

1. Sugary Sodas

No surprise this is the first item on our “to avoid list.” Soda is one of the worst drinks for your teeth. It’s packed with sugar, which feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. Plus, sodas are acidic, which means they can weaken your enamel over time. Even diet sodas aren’t great because they’re still acidic.

But let’s be realistic. Sometimes you just need a Coke! If you do drink soda, try to use a straw to limit contact with your teeth. Drink it in one sitting and rinse your mouth well with water afterward.

2. Sports and Energy Drinks

Sports drinks might seem like a good way to stay hydrated, but most are loaded with sugar and acids that attack your enamel, and energy drinks are even worse. The big problem with sports drinks is that we tend to sip them over an extended period of time, such as during prolonged exercise. But each sip exposes your teeth to sugar and very high acidity, which takes about 20 minutes to return to baseline. So sipping a Gatorade little by little means your teeth could be battling cavities for hours!

If you need electrolytes, try to drink your sports drink in one go, then rinse with water. Or, opt for low-sugar, low-acid alternatives like coconut water, or look for sugar-free options. For an energy boost, consider swapping Monster for green tea (which is also better for your heart health).

3. Fruit Juice

You might think fruit juice is a healthy choice, but many juices have as much sugar as soda! Even 100% natural juice contains acids that can wear down your enamel. If you (or your kids) love juice, try diluting it with water and drinking it in moderation. Apple juice and citrus juices like orange juice are especially acidic, so be sure to rinse with water after drinking them, and try to avoid sipping on them throughout the day.

4. Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol can dry out your mouth, which lowers saliva production. Less saliva means a higher risk of cavities and bad breath. Heavy alcohol use also increases your risk for oral cancer. Red wine does contain polyphenols that can decrease bacteria in the mouth, but it can also stain your teeth, making them look darker over time. If you enjoy alcohol, try to drink water alongside it to keep your mouth hydrated and rinse away harmful acids (and avoid hangovers as a bonus).

How to Enjoy Your Favorite Beverages While Protecting Your Teeth

• Drink water after having sugary, acidic, or staining drinks to help wash away residue.
• Use a straw to keep damaging liquids away from your teeth.
• Avoid sipping sugary or acidic drinks for long periods, which gives beverages and bacteria more time to cause damage.
• Brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after drinking acidic beverages to protect your enamel. Brushing too soon can actually do more harm.
• Visit Lake Baldwin Dental for regular cleanings to keep your teeth strong and healthy!

Want More Tips on Keeping Your Smile Healthy? Ask Us!

At Lake Baldwin Dental, we love helping you make smarter choices for your smile. And picking the right beverages is an easy way to keep your teeth healthy!

Like any dietary adjustment, don’t try to go cold turkey and

cut out all your favorites. Instead, look for opportunities to add a beneficial beverage to your routine. Over time, you may start to seek them out instead! (And if not, at least you’re including them in the rotation.)

If you want to know more about keeping your smile in top shape, our friendly team at Lake Baldwin Dental is here to help. Keep smiling, Orlando!