If you are concerned about the health of your family's teeth, you may already be scheduling preventive visits for your loved ones at least twice a year. However, even with professional care, your family's oral health may still suffer if proper precautions are not taken at home. 

Homecare works in conjunction with the services provided by your family dentist. To keep the teeth healthy, brushing, flossing, and proper dietary precautions should be observed. 

Some foods and drinks are more harmful to the teeth than others. At different stages of life, a person may be more apt to consume certain beverages and suffer dire consequences. 

Here are a few drinks that may be detrimental to a person's dental health and the period of life in which they are likely to be consumed.

Milk From a Bottle for Babies

Babies often consume milk from a bottle. The milk is considered a healthy beverage. However, it does contain significant amounts of natural sugar. This sugar can incite tooth decay as it feeds the acid-releasing microbes of the mouth.

Many babies consume milk from a bottle as they soothe themselves to sleep. This practice is particularly detrimental because the milk pools in the mouth as the child rests, leaving the teeth continually immersed in the fluid. 

A serious form of tooth decay called "baby bottle decay" may develop. Thus, it is best to only offer water in a bottle at bedtime and to wean the child as soon as possible.

Sodas for Older Kids and Teens

Sodas are often the drinks of choice for many youngsters and teens. The beverages are quite acidic and can demineralize the teeth as effectively as bacterial acids, causing the formation of cavities. Sodas are also high in sugar, providing food for oral bacteria that will release acid as a byproduct of their digestion.

Kids and teens should be encouraged to drink water instead of soda. However, when soda is consumed, immediately rinsing the mouth with water can help dilute the acids and rinse away sugars to limit damage to the teeth.

Alcohol for Adults

Many adults consume alcohol. In moderation, alcoholic beverages are unlikely to cause a large amount of damage. However, when consumed in excess, alcohol has been linked to a myriad of oral health problems, such as dry mouth, enamel erosion, and even oral cancer.

Adults should limit their intake of alcohol and consume water between drinks.

To learn more ways to maintain your family's oral health, schedule a consultation with a family dentist, like those at Today's Dental Care.