There is a variety of drinks to choose from when you are thirsty, exercising, playing, or having a meal. Drinks such as soda, sweetened juices, or sports drink are usually high in sugar and can lead to tooth decay among other health problems. Many of these drinks also have added phosphoric, citrus, or malic acid to make them taste less sweet. These acids can eat away at the enamel, the outer shell of your teeth (ADA). Drinking water is the best choice for your teeth! Not only is water refreshing, it has no added sugar. Along with brushing and flossing, drinking water throughout the day can help improve your dental health. Read more to learn why water is the best choice to drink.
Water helps rinse away food and bacteria from your teeth.
After you eat, small bits of food remain in your mouth. These tiny food particles break down into acids that can cause tooth decay. Drinking water after eating helps to wash away some of the food and bacteria from your teeth. Water also helps to dilute the acidity in your mouth (UIC.edu).
Water is good for your health.
Calories and added sugar from sugary drinks can lead to unhealthy consequences like weight gain, which can increase the risk of health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. A 20-ounce bottle of regular cola has 227 calories and 14 teaspoons of sugar (CDPH). Water does not have any sugar and is zero calories. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks can help you manage a healthier weight. Make water your drink of choice for cleaner teeth and better health.
Resources to help you and your family drink more water.
Water recipes. Add a little flavor to your water without added sugar. Recipes from CalFresh-Healthy Living.
Choose Health, Drink Water. Find out how many calories and teaspoons of sugar are in many of the popular sugary beverages. CDPH.
