Drinking flavored water may seem like a healthy way to stay hydrated and avoid soda and other sugary drinks, but these popular beverages present a problem of their own: dental damage.
According to the , adding flavors to drinks -- which are often citric and other fruit acids -- lowers the drink's pH which can remove calcium from teeth and cause significant tooth erosion.
Luckily, experts say there is no need to cut flavored water from your diet. Instead, consider these four strategies for sipping in a way that minimizes dental damage:
- Don't use it as your primary hydration
- Minimize time exposure
- Keep it to meal or snack time
- Don't be a swisher