Whether they hope to improve their fitness routine or supplement their diet, many people enjoy protein shakes and their wellness benefits. But they may not realize that these drinks can harm their oral health if they are not careful.
However, you can still have a protein shake without consequences if you take precautions when it comes to your oral health. Read on to find three tips that will help you maintain a healthy smile without giving up one of your favorite beverages.
How to Protect Your Smile When Drinking Protein Shakes
Rinse Away Grit on Your Teeth
If you drink protein shakes on a regular basis, you might realize the beverage will leave a gritty film over your teeth after you swallow it. Not only will this grit feel uncomfortable, but it could also harm your teeth if it remains.
Lingering food particles will contribute to plaque formation. Though you remove plaque when you brush your teeth and floss, plaque might erode your teeth in between your oral hygiene regimens.
Consider drinking water after you have a protein shake. The water can rinse away the grit and stop it from eating away at your teeth. This action can also reduce the likelihood of forming bad breath that can stem from these trapped food remnants.
Steer Clear of Added Sugar
Many protein shakes will contain high amounts of sugar to enhance their flavor. Though you might enjoy the sweet taste, sugar can majorly hurt your teeth. It becomes acidic when it reacts with your saliva.
This may wear down your teeth quickly and make your smile vulnerable to cavities and other dental issues. Once the tooth enamel is gone, it cannot regrow. Your dentist can treat a cavity, but you should preserve as much of your natural smile as you can. Avoid added sugar and other poor oral habits to prevent this type of dental damage.
Continue Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
You likely already brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day. But these healthy routines will be even more important if you know you consume potentially risky foods and drinks. Good oral hygiene habits will make sure the protein shakes you love will not leave lasting harm on your smile.
Your good oral hygiene regimen will also include scheduling regular teeth cleaning appointments with your dentist. They will scrape away plaque and tartar build-up you might have missed during your at-home routine.
During these visits, dentists also check your smile for early signs of dental problems like cavities and gum disease. Then they can offer swift treatment to get rid of these issues before they irreversible hurt your smile.
Ask your dentist at these appointments for more preventative advice. They may suggest care that best suits your unique dental needs and oral health goals. Other at-home products like mouthwash can give your oral hygiene a boost too.