Protein shakes are a beverage made from protein powder, fruits, juices, and other delicious ingredients. They can bring you a variety of wellness benefits whether you intend to build muscle or supplement your diet. However, if you are not careful, a protein shake could hurt your dental health.
If you take precautions, you do not have to give up your favorite drinks to keep your smile healthy. Visit your dentist to find targeted preventive oral health care for your unique smile. And read on to learn how you can maintain good oral health while you still enjoy protein shakes.
Rinse Gritty Residue from Your Teeth
When you drink a protein shake, you might notice that a gritty residue clings to your teeth after you finish the beverage. The powdery texture within your shake tends to linger in your mouth to create this film. But when you feel something over the surface of your teeth, this can pose a threat to your dental health.
Lingering food particles like this gritty residue will encourage the spread of natural oral bacteria. This can erode your tooth enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, making them weaker and more prone to cavities and other dental issues.
So if you feel this grit on your teeth, take action to get rid of it as soon as you can. You do not always have a toothbrush in reach to scrub the residue away. In this case, drinking water can rinse away lingering grit from a protein shake.
This way, your teeth can feel smooth and clean while you also keep your smile strong and resistant to decay and other issues. Plus, you can get rid of particles that might otherwise give you bad breath.
Avoid High Sugar Content
Many protein shakes will include sugar in order to make the drink taste sweet and to counteract the dry flavor of protein powder. However, sugar can have negative effects on your teeth. Sugar becomes acidic in your mouth, which can contribute to enamel erosion, a deterioration of your dental structure.
Check the label of the protein shakes you purchase to ensure you do not choose a product that contains high levels of added sugar. If you make your own protein shakes, do not add excess amounts of sugar to your mix.
Try using alternative ingredients to flavor your homemade protein shake rather than sugar. Vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon can enhance the flavor of your drink without risking your dental health. This way, you can feel free to drink protein shakes with minimized consequences for your smile.
Stick to Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Your teeth can better resist potential damage from the foods and beverages you consume when you maintain a healthy foundation. Keep your teeth healthy with routine care, including practicing good oral hygiene.
Brushing your teeth and flossing as often as directed by your dentist ensures that plaque and other harmful elements are removed in a timely fashion before they can harm your smile. You should also attend regular check-ups at your dentist’s office so that they can maximize preventive dental care.