Soda may be delicious, but its acidic nature and high sugar content can wreak havoc on your gums and teeth. Sugary drinks like soda promote bacteria growth while acid chafes away at your teeth’s enamel.

Now, the occasional soda is fine as long as you brush your teeth afterward, but what can you drink to take the place of carbonated beverages? Here are 8 healthy alternatives to soda that your teeth can actually enjoy!

#1: Water

Water is the best drink to have for your teeth, hands down. It works well to clean your teeth after meals by washing away food and bacteria. As a result, you get fresher breath. It also stimulates saliva production which keeps your breath smelling clean. Another added benefit is that water can combat acidity and uneven Ph levels that soda induces!

#2: Cinnamon Punch

This Korean delight is made by boiling cinnamon sticks for a long time with a controlled amount of brown sugar. To make this punch healthy for your teeth, simply add less sugar than this recipe calls for. Cinnamon punch is best served cold and topped with scrumptious pine nuts. Cinnamon is also known to be an antimicrobial spice that can soothe inflammation in the gums by killing oral bacteria. It’s no wonder Koreans like to finish a big meal with a cup of Su Jeong Gwa!

#3: Milk

Milk is a base, which opposes the acidity of soda. This beverage also has a lot of calcium and phosphorous which can keep your teeth nice and strong. There’s also another component in milk called casein which is known to strengthen your enamel to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

#4: Green Tea & Other Herbal Teas

Teas of a clear nature offer a revitalizing dose of caffeine while not putting your teeth at risk for stains. Green Tea, for example, has properties that promote oral health by fighting bacteria that cause tooth decay. Darker teas, on the other hand, contain tannins that can stain your teeth like soda.

#5: Vodka Soda

Who said all of these drinks had to be for kids? You can still be kind to your teeth even during happy hour when you order vodka soda. This clear drink will work like a mouthwash by killing oral bacteria. You’ll also get the added benefit of vodka’s relaxation power. However, you should keep in mind that if you follow this drink with any sugary mixed drink, you’ll need to brush your teeth pronto!

#6 Flavored Mineral Water

For anyone who doesn’t like the plain taste of regular water, flavored mineral water is a good alternative. However, just be sure that the product you choose has a low sugar content or is sweetened with a healthy sweetener like stevia. Mineral water is rich with calcium phosphate, which can protect and repair your teeth’s enamel. The fact that this drink is full of many other beneficial minerals makes it a healthy choice for your teeth and body.

#7: Homemade Juices (low sugar)

When you pick the right combination of tooth-loving fruits and veggies and throw them into a juicer, you’ll get a homemade juice that’ll be great for your oral health. Here are just some of the foods that will be perfect for your next low-sugar creation:

• Celery
• Apples
• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Guava
• Pineapple
• Kale
• Pears

Since yogurt is also great for your teeth, you can also add some to your these fruits and vegetables to make a smoothie! Yogurt has similar components to milk that work to make your enamel stronger, but it also contains probiotics that can restore some good bacteria to your gut.

#8: Kefir

While the middle east has held the healthy secret of Kefir for centuries, the west is finally catching on to its goodness. Kefir is a yogurt alternative that’s packed with calcium and probiotics.

Because it has a smoothie-like consistency, this tart dairy delight is a great beverage to take the place of soda. Its slight sweetness can also help curb the craving for a sugary soda!

Keep your teeth looking great, with regular checkups!

Drinking beverages that are good for your teeth is an important part of a solid home care regimen. To keep your teeth even healthier, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups and cleanings.

Our office also offers professional tooth whitening if your teeth have experienced stains from drinking too much soda. To find out what other cosmetic dentistry services we offer as well as routine dental care, contact us.

LA Dental Clinic

3377 Wilshire Blvd #202

Los Angeles, CA, 90010