Beneficial Beverage or Damaging Drink?

Talking about a healthy diet usually means talking about food. After all, our teeth and gums need protein, vitamins, and minerals to stay strong and free from cavities and gum disease. But let’s not forget the part liquids play in our diets! What we drink can actually have a dramatic effect on our dental health.

Beneficial Beverages for Our Teeth and Gums

  • Water, water, water!

Water is always a healthy option. Besides being a nutrient in its own right, water washes away food particles as we eat, dilutes the acids in our mouth that can lead to cavities, and often provides the fluoride, which reduces our risk of tooth decay. Also, water helps with the production of saliva, which cleanses our mouth and helps neutralize the acids which cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

  • Milk

Milk provides the calcium and vitamin D that are essential for bone and tooth health. If you are worried about the fat content in milk, low-fat options will still deliver the nutrients your body needs.

  • Vegetable juices

These juices provide important vitamins and minerals without the sugar levels of fruit juices. If that 100%-leafy-green smoothie is a bit bitter, add a small amount of fruit to the mix, but remember to avoid too many acidic, sugary additions.

Drinks that are Less than Ideal

  • Sugary beverages

Regular soft drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks, and sweetened tea and coffee provide bacteria with the sugar they use to produce acids. These acids, over time, weaken our enamel and lead to cavities.

  • Acidic drinks

Any acidic beverages, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, or citrus juices, provide their own acids that can erode tooth enamel.

  • Drinks that stain our teeth

Red wine, coffee, black tea, fruit juices, colas—even sports drinks!—can leave our enamel stained and discolored.

Should we give up all these problem drinks completely? Can’t we start our day with orange juice and a cup of coffee, or down an energy drink after a workout? The important takeaway here is to recognize which drinks can damage teeth and gums, and to minimize any harm they might cause. If you are going to drink something sugary or acidic, don’t sip it. Sipping lets the sugars and acids linger in the mouth. Drink with a meal. Chewing increases saliva production, which helps wash away harmful sugars and acids. Try using a straw for drinks that stain teeth. And it’s always best to rinse with water immediately after drinking anything sugary, acidic, or staining.

Best of all, try to include as many nourishing beverages as possible in your diet. Keep your mouth healthy with a steady routine of brushing and flossing for at least two minutes twice a day. Don’t forget to schedule regular checkups and cleanings at our Cohasset, Massachusetts office so the doctor can monitor your teeth and gums and remove plaque and stains if they develop. And if you have any questions about the healthiest beverages out there, let’s have a glass of water and discuss.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "I went to Cohasset Dental because my tooth was infected, they saw me right away! Since then they are now my primary dentist. They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and they make the whole dental environment less intimidating. I think finding the right dentist is like finding the right mechanic -- I'm happy to say that I have found my dentist. I highly recommend them."
    Heather Rose Marshall
  • "It's really nice to be able to say "I love my dentist!" -- the entire experience at Cohasset Dental is always friendly, professional & accommodating. The front office staff, the hygienists, Dr. Chenette himself -- a truly exceptional team!"
    Jenni Denegri
  • "I am a very timid dental patient. Before going to Cohasset Dental this year, it had been almost 10 years since I had stepped foot in a dentist office. Needless to say, I was very nervous at my appointment.
    Each staff member at the office was so welcoming and kind, I could not help but smile. The woman who cleaned my teeth was very understanding of my fear and worked with me to have a positive experience.
    Unfortunately for me, my cleaning revealed that I needed my old silver fillings replaced. I was excited. But the filling replacements were nothing like what remember. It was quick, painless, and semi-enjoyable (tvs are available for your watching pleasure).
    I would definitely recommend going to Cohasset Dental. And if you are a scared like me, definitely go. They will put your fears at bay and give you an enjoyable memory."
    Karina Tuting
  • "Cohasset Dental is outstanding in many ways; one, its people who are kind, accommodating, and highly professional; two, its cleanliness and caution, especially during covid times; three, Dr. Chenette is a master dentist, but kind and gentle, as well. Highly professional team that respects individual needs. Thank you all for your compassionate service!"
    kathie lee
  • "This was my first visit to Cohasset Dental and it was one of the best dentist visits I've ever had. The reception staff is welcoming and helpful. Brynn did a great job taking my x-rays. Dr. Chenette has a wonderful chair side manner. He even cleaned my teeth instead of the hygienist. He did a good job explaining how my teeth grinding effects my jaw and muscles and how he can help me with the problem. A few minor negatives not worth mentioning. I highly recommend this practice."
    Charlotte Keefer
  • "Having recently moved to the area, I was in search of a new dental practice. Looking no further. This office is great! The entire staff is very professional, helpful and courteous from the moment you walk in."
    Bruce Gehrlein
  • "I became a patient on Wednesday,had some pain overnight and was sitting in the chair Thursday morning at 9am,! Thank you all. Greeted at the door by staff and brought right in to see Dr. Chenette. Great sense of humor which helped me relax on the spot. Took his time to explain in detail what was going on and how to treat the problem. Professional staff,good looking office and felt much better leaving than when I came in. Again, many thanks."
    Francis DiStasi
  • "Everyone at Cohasset Dental makes your visit a pleasant one! They are all so kind and professional. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else!"
    Jennifer Burke
  • "Dr. Chenette and the staff at Cohasset Dental is amazing! During any procedure they are always checking in to make sure you are doing ok. I've had a cleaning, crown and filling and everything is great! Can't recommend them enough."
    Kendall Salluce
  • "I am a physician myself and this is my first visit to the clinic after being referred by my sister who has used them for many years with her family.

    I cannot say enough good things about the quality of the care provided by Dr. Chenette, Chelsie the dental hygienist, as well as the remainder of the staff, including the office manager, Leslie.

    Everyone was very warm and welcoming and very knowledgeable, with outstanding communication skills. One probably does not see this adjective describing an appointment with the dentist very often, but I would truly say it was a very pleasant experience and I felt I had received great care."
    Francis Duggan
  • "Dr. Chenette and his entire team always go above and beyond with their comfort and care. From the front desk to the hygienists, the entire staff are friendly and efficient. I have honestly never seen a better run practice and my teeth have never been as healthy as they are now. Competency from start to finish every visit."
    Kati Barclay
  • "As someone who is very anxious about the dentist, this place could not be more accommodating/welcoming. Staff go above and beyond, appointments are extremely easy to get, and payments are very transparent as well. Highly recommend!!"
    Hannah O'Gara