Fort Lee, NJ Dentist Discusses Harmful Habits

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated; especially during warmer months. Many of us need to drink 8-10 glasses of water every day in order to achieve our best. Sometimes, doing this can be difficult and we reach toward other things to drink. Even when we indulge in moderation, there is a profound effect on our teeth. These drinking habits could be causing damage to your teeth.

 

Distilled Water

 

Many people are under the misconception that they should drink distilled water, but that simply isn’t true. Distilled water is stripped of many basic nutrients that your body requires. Some of these, like fluoride, also help to fight tooth decay.

 

Avoid distilled water and drink fluoridated tap or bottled water instead.

 

Flavored Water

 

Many of us are guilty of indulging in flavored water. It seems like it would be a healthy alternative to most other drinks, but it is really just the companies fooling you. Many of these drinks are actually filled with a sugar-based flavoring. Sugar, in any form, damages your teeth because it lies on the enamel and allows bacteria to come breed. This bacteria then eats away your tooth enamel and leads you down the path of tooth decay.

 

Alcohol

 

Many alcoholic drinks also come loaded with sugar. This sugar is worse than in many other drinks because it will feed on the yeast used to produce the alcohol. Check your flavored beer and you might be surprised at how much sugar resides inside. 

 

Infant Milk

 

Many parents will allow their babies to fall asleep with a bottle of formula without knowing that they contain sugar as well. If their teeth aren’t cleaned after drinking, this sugar lies on the gums and can lead to early decay.

 

 

The bottom line is to drink plenty of water each day to ensure you are giving your teeth what they need.

 

Have questiosn for your Fort Lee, NJ dentist? Give Anderson Dental a call today at (201) 461-5400.