Tooth-kind drinks

Tooth kind

Water

The simplest and safest drink for your teeth is tap water — everyone can drink it. Schools now offer children only water, and even the most stubborn child will drink water when thirsty, so parents and grandparents can confidently put safety first.

Sugar-free still drinks

If you like some flavour, sugar-free still drinks (not to be confused with no-added-sugar) are a safe option — tea or coffee without sugar, and brands such as Fruit Shoot Hydro Zero Sugar or Robinsons Squash’d 0%.

Tooth cruel

Squash and cordials

Squashes and cordials contain sugar (causing decay) and are usually acidic (causing tooth wear). Even “no-added-sugar” versions still contain sugar.

Diet & sugar-free fizzy drinks

Sugar-free but very acidic — the acid doesn’t cause decay but does cause tooth wear. Keep these to the occasional drink, ideally at mealtimes (Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Pepsi Max, Sprite Zero and many sparkling waters).

Sugar-full fizzy drinks & fruit juice

Both acidic and full of sugar — regular use risks decay and tooth wear. Best avoided as an everyday drink (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, Sprite, and fruit juice).

Energy drinks

In a category of their own: acidic, packed with sugar, and caffeinated, so they’re addictive. Short boosts are followed by crashes that make you reach for more — a constant wash of sugary acid that causes serious decay, pain and infection. Major supermarkets have banned their sale to under-16s. These should form no part of your diet (Red Bull, Monster, Lucozade, Relentless).

Alternatives to energy drinks

For steady energy without the boom-and-bust, choose wholefood meals with slow-release energy — brown pasta and rice, other whole grains, fruit, vegetables and legumes. If you need a boost, reach for fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes.

Text and further advice adapted from dentalchoices.org.