Throughout all of our instructions and conversations with patients, we stress that soda can cause significant damage to teeth. I frequently get asked about other drinks.

Let’s begin with soda: the phosphoric and citric acids in soda are primarily the damaging components. It makes no difference whether the soda is diet or regular or dark or clear. All sodas will have the same damaging effect if not drunk in moderation. Our recommendation is to keep the soda count less than a can per day…up to 5 per week should be fine.

What about other drinks that contain acid? Juice is a drink with high citric acid levels, so is that as damaging? I have not seen anyone with decalcification/scars on their teeth from drinking too much juice. Theoretically, if you drink too much juice throughout the day, it could happen, but I wouldn’t target juice as a problem.

All dentists and hygienists will tell you that if you drink anything with sugar or citric acid continuously throughout the day, you will be more likely to have problems. It is better to drink faster rather than sip over a long period. For example, if you sip a can of soda from 8am-12pm, you are having longer contact of the sugar and acid on your teeth compared to drinking the soda from 8a-8:30a.

I received an email question about Gatorade. Gatorade and all of these types of drinks are full of sugar. Gatorade now makes a low-sugar option, G2, which is better for your teeth. My recommendation is to drink these drinks fast as described in the example above.

You cannot go wrong drinking water or milk. A lot of patients will drink water with the flavored packets…there are many brands, but Crystal Lite has a bunch of flavors.

It is difficult to “ban” so many foods and drinks during the braces experience. As a general rule, cut back on soda and stay away from the “energy” drinks like Red Bull or Monster. Drinks with sugar should be drunk quickly to reduce the amount of time the sugar is in contact with the teeth. If you follow these tips, brush and floss well, and continue regular dental visits your orthodontic experience will not result in ugly scars on your teeth.

Dr. Jeremy

Tags: Drinks with Braces, Education, Gatorade and Braces, Gatorade and Teeth, kansas city orthodontist, Orthodontics, soda and braces