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Can Protein Drinks Harm My Smile?

Fitness gurus and wellness influencers preach the health benefits of protein drinks. These beverages can help your body in many ways, but they could also harm your teeth if you are not cautious.

If you remain diligent in your oral healthcare, you can still enjoy protein drinks on a regular basis. Brighter Smile Family Dentistry and Orthodontics, a dentist office in Sterling, VA, describes how you can prevent damage to your smile without cutting protein drinks from your routine.

protein drinks and oral health Sterling Virginia

Eliminate Excess Grit on Teeth

When you drink a beverage that contains protein powder, you may notice that it leaves a film of grit on your teeth. This gritty residue will quickly begin to interact with the natural bacteria in your mouth to create plaque.

Plaque erodes tooth enamel and leaves your smile vulnerable to dental damages, including tooth decay and gum disease. Enamel cannot regrow once it is gone, so preventative care is crucial to protect your oral health.

We routinely remove plaque by brushing and flossing our teeth. However, you should promptly get rid of grit from your teeth even if you are between oral hygiene regimens. Drinking a glass of water can rinse lingering food particles from your mouth and boost your oral hygiene.

Beware of High Sugar Content

Many protein drinks contain high amounts of sugar to enhance their flavor. You should be cautious of this possibility because added sugar is notoriously harmful to your teeth.

Sugar reacts with bacteria in your mouth to become acidic, which can erode enamel and increase your likelihood of developing cavities. For this reason, you should monitor your sugar intake and avoid excess amounts wherever possible, including in your protein beverages.

Continue Good Oral Hygiene Practices

Protein is an important staple in your diet, but you should remain aware of your oral health too when you consume protein drinks. You can keep your teeth and gums healthy without cutting the protein drinks you love from your routine by maintaining good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly, usually every six months.

Learn More from Your Sterling, VA Dentist

Brighter Smile Family Dentistry and Orthodontics offers periodontal therapy and other restorative dental treatments for patients of all ages. Our expert dentist team located in Sterling, VA specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry, including professional teeth whitening services. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 571.266.0255.