PROTECT YOUR PEARLY WHITES

Keep your teeth in top shape in between visits to the dentist

While we all know that some beverages – such as soft drinks – can wreak havoc on your teeth, other choices may seem less obvious. From fruit juices to green tea, there are plenty of healthy beverages that can cause dental issues.

But that doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying them. Dr Lawrence Neville, a dentist from Spa Dental, reveals how to keep your pearly whites in tip-top health!

CULPRIT 1 FRUIT JUICE

“Fruit juices that are highly acidic can cause irreversible damage to the tooth’s enamel if consumed regularly,” says Dr Neville. While fruit juice won’t stain your teeth on its own, it can weaken the enamel, increasing the likelihood of staining from other substances.

THE FIX “Resist the urge to brush immediately after drinking fruit juice,” says Dr Neville. “This will exacerbate the damage to the enamel tubules that are already weakened by the acid contained in the juice.”

CULPRIT 2 HOT WATER & LEMON

This has become a popular way for many

people to start the day, amid claims that it can wake up your digestion. However, Dr Neville says the strong acidity of the lemon can damage your enamel – especially if you drink it in the morning. THE FIX Again, the key here is all about timing. “It is strongly recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth,” he says.

CULPRIT 3 GREEN TEA

Green tea is packed with healthy antioxidants, which have been linked with everything from anti-ageing to reduced inflammation. While it won’t cause any permanent damage to your teeth, the tannins in green tea can cause staining. THE FIX “Make sure you drink water afterwards, and in the case of high-tannin drinks, try and brush your teeth,” says Dr Neville. “An electric toothbrush and a good oral hygiene routine will help you keep staining under control in-between regular professional cleans at the dentist.”

CULPRIT 4 SAUCES

OK, while it’s not technically a drink, sauces can still cause issues with staining. “If you think about ingredients that stain your hands or clothes when you cook, these foods will also stain the tooth’s enamel,” says Dr Neville. “Examples include beetroot, tomatoes and turmeric.” THE FIX Along with regular brushing

(at least 30 minutes after eating), it’s also important to keep up dental appointments. “A professional clean is a great place to start and stubborn staining will generally dissolve with a professional whitening treatment,” says Dr Neville.