Dentist reveals the best time to brush in order to avoid a dreaded red wine smile and the other drinks that could be destroying your teeth
WE ALL know sugary drinks are bad for our teeth - but a dentist has revealed the 'healthy' beverages that could also be doing us damage.
From hot lemon water to red wine and fruit juice, read on to find out the worst culprits for enamel erosion as you sip.
Speaking to , dental hygienist Tabitha Acret has revealed that drinks with a pH of less than seven won't be doing our smile any favours.
This includes juice, which the Australian expert reveals can contain more sugar than a can of soft drink.
She recommends trying to consume real fruit instead, and to treat trendy smoothie bowls with caution.
Another drink nutritionists often suggest we start our day with is lemon water.
However, Acret points out that lemons have a worryingly low pH, which could cause irreversible enamel erosion if chopped up and consumed in a drink.
She says their acidity is comparable with battery acid, which can strip the enamel, causing teeth to be sensitive and more susceptible to decay.
Flavoured waters, energy drinks and sports drinks frequently come with a high sugar content and a low pH that we should be steering well clear of.
Unfortunately, both red and white wines have a low pH - but the former is slightly less acidic.
Acret says that if you're having a glass of Pinot Noir on a special occasion, just make sure you adhere to a simple trick to avoid that dreaded red wine smile.
"The best way to avoid a red smile is to ensure your teeth are plaque free," she explains.
"Routine cleanings with your dentist/hygienist in conjunction with good at home oral care are a sure-fire ways to keep your teeth sparkling.
"When you know you'll be drinking red wine, try to brush no more than an hour before as brushing too close to picking up a glass can alter the taste and no one wants that."
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