Myth: “Juice, Sweet Tea and Gatorade are not as bad as soda.”
FALSE.
While many people understand that soda is not healthy, they may view drinks such as juice and Gatorade as a ‘healthier’ substitute. The problem with these beverages is they still contain a lot of sugar and acid, just like soda. Be sure to read nutrition labels and remember that the citric acid in drinks is just as harmful for your dental health as sugar. 'Diet' and 'zero calorie' beverages may have less sugar, but there is still a lot of acid present. According to the American Heart Association,
“Nearly two-thirds of children in the United States reported consuming at least one soda or other sugary drink on any given day…Fruit drinks, sport drinks, energy drinks and sweetened teas are just as closely linked to negative health outcomes like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease as soda.”
To determine the amount of sugar in your beverages, the general rule of thumb is below:
4 grams of sugar= one teaspoon of sugar
Our advice is don't drink sugar drinks everyday--save them for special occasions and enjoy a beverage with a meal to help wash away the sugar and acid. It's always helpful to drink water after a surgary drink.
Soda:
Juice & Vitamin Water:
Energy Drinks and Gatorade:
Coffee & Tea:
Please call our Westerville office at 614-882-2249 if you have questions or
would like to schedule an appointment.
Sources: http://news.heart.org/new-reports-find-kids-and-adults-love-their-soda-and-sugary-drinks/
https://www.google.com/search?
q=sugar+in+drinks+picture&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS716US716&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjl7KOBz8TTAhXMz4MKHR8gDzIQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=662#imgrc=0SYn5VdcQFvgxM: