As it turns out, tooth decay and obesity have a common denominator: soft drinks.

A recent study by researchers from King’s College London showed that being overweight or obese is associated with having moderate-to-severe tooth wear.

Additionally, the researchers found that the increased consumption of sweet, acidic drinks like soft drinks may be a leading cause of the erosion of tooth enamel and dentine in overweight or obese adults.

Obesity and tooth decay: a dual threat

You know that brushing and flossing are crucial to proper dental care. But you may want to maintain a healthy weight as well to keep cavities at bay. That’s because obesity and tooth decay are inextricably linked.

People who are overweight or obese due to frequent snacking, overeating and a lack of exercise are more likely to eat sweets and drink sweetened beverages. Those added sugars keep your blood sugar levels high. That may eventually compromise your cells’ ability to use sugars for energy, which is why you may put on weight.

And when you indulge in sugary snacks or chug sodas, bacteria in your mouth feast on the sugars coating your teeth, eroding precious tooth enamel in the process. According to Saoirse O’Toole, the lead author of the study from King’s College London, the acidic nature of some drinks, in particular, is what leads to tooth wear.

O’Toole added that studies like theirs send an important message for overweight or obese individuals who like to throw caution to the wind when snacking on sweets or drinking sweetened beverages.

Healthy and tasty soda substitutes

The only thing worse than a sugar addiction is sugar withdrawal. If you’ve gotten used to enjoying sodas, it can be incredibly difficult to ditch them cold turkey because your body will look for those calories.

Luckily for you, there are plenty of healthy and tasty soda substitutes to choose from. These include:

• Lemon-infused water – Water is great for curbing cravings. But it may still leave you feeling wanting because of the lack of flavor. For added flavor without using sugar, add some lemon slices to a pitcher of water. You can use other fruits, too.
• Green tea – Served hot, green tea helps soothe frayed nerves and relieves stress. But you can also have your green tea cold for a refreshing, calorie-free herbal drink.
• Vegetable juice – Green juices made from fresh vegetables are packed with nutrients essential for your overall health. You can even make a more flavorful juice with some fruits, nuts and yogurt.
• Red wine – When consumed in moderation, red wine can be good for your heart. That’s because grapes contain antioxidants that protect the heart from inflammation and free radical damage.
• Plant-based milk substitute – Milk is rich in vitamin D and calcium, both of which are important for maintaining strong bones. If you can’t do dairy, opt for a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
• Coconut water – Unsweetened coconut water is naturally refreshing. It also has electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, that help keep you hydrated for longer periods. Coconut water also has far less sodium than sweetened energy drinks.
• Kombucha – Kombucha is a fizzy, sweet-and-sour drink made with tea. You may want to opt for this if you’re especially craving the fizz that comes with a bottle of soda. Your gut will also thank you for having kombucha because it contains live microbes called probiotics that support digestion.

Tooth wear, obesity and soda consumption are all closely linked. You can prevent obesity and tooth wear from progressing into worse health problems by opting for healthy soda substitutes, including coconut water, green tea and kombucha.

Sources:

ScienceDaily.com

EverydayHealth.com