Why drinks are riskier than snacks
A cross-sectional clinical study of 76 subjects found that sweetened beverages carry a higher risk of tooth decay than sweet foods. The main reason: beverages completely surround the teeth and penetrate even the smallest gaps. This can damage tooth enamel more intensively than solid foods, which are chewed and swallowed more quickly.
Another large-scale study with 22,526 participants also showed that even infrequent consumption of soft drinks is linked to tooth loss. Particularly worrying is that many teenagers in industrialized nations consume up to 50% of their daily calorie needs through sweetened beverages—which has a massive long-term impact on dental health.
How to protect your teeth
If you consume sugar, you should consume it in solid form rather than drinking sweetened beverages. This is because food stays in the mouth for less time and offers fewer opportunities for caries-causing bacteria to attack. It's especially important to reduce or completely avoid soft drinks , as their liquid form and often added acid are particularly damaging to teeth.
If you don't always have the opportunity to eat a balanced diet, dietary supplements can be a useful support for your dental health. Important nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and coenzyme Q10 help strengthen tooth enamel and keep gums healthy.
Sources:
1. Jain P, Gary JJ. Which is a stronger indicator of dental caries: oral hygiene, food, or beverage? A clinical study. Gen Dent. 2014;62(3):63–8.
2. Kim S, Park S, Lin M. Permanent tooth loss and sugar-sweetened beverage intake in US young adults. J Public Health Dent. 2017;77(2):148–54.
