A Health Drink for Your Teeth

Which is better for your teeth -- orange juice or tea?

Turns out that OJ ranks right up there with soda in terms of its enamel-damaging potential. But tea’s effect on teeth is like water’s: It leaves enamel unscathed.

Guard Your Teeth

Think of enamel as armor for your teeth. Once that armor gets worn down or damaged, it can’t repair itself. That’s why acidic beverages -- soda, citrus juice, sports drinks -- are so bad for your pearly whites: They contain enamel-stripping acids (phosphoric, citric, malic, and tartaric acids, to name a few). But green and black teas don’t attack enamel, and they even have a bit of tooth-friendly fluoride to boot.

Drinks That Do No Wrong

Save wear and tear on your teeth with these other smart sipping strategies:

*Use a straw with acidic beverages. This minimizes contact with your teeth. Or swish your mouth with water afterward.

*Drink brewed tea -- and drink it straight up. If you load it up with sugar and lemon, your teeth will feel it.

*Snack on natural stain removers, like apples, celery, and carrots. Here’s a sweet treat that may actually be good for teeth.