Cold war

To counter dehydration people usually resort to drinking cold drinks with extremely low PH values and also low temperatures,which eventually causes the enamel to be corroded and forms cavities in the teeth in the long run,not to mention giving it a yellow tint in the process. Also the changing pressure in the mouth owing to the low temperatures causes the mouth to become sensitive to even slight changes in temperatures.

Dr Nitam Narkhede,of Oracare Dental Clinic says,“An extracted tooth placed in a glass of carbonated drink will start dissolving within two days owing to its high acidic content.

The prolonged use of very cold drinks or a mixture of cold and hot drinks also causes micro cracks on the enamel and gradually affects the nerves thus making them sensitive. Even if it is water,we should not drink it too hot or too cold. Water from an earthen pot is preferred to water from refrigerator.”

Seconding the opinion,Dr Seema Chandavar,another dentist,says,“Nothing is better than natural drinks like water,coconut water or fruit juices as they regulate the body temperatures without raising or lowering the acidity in the body. It is also suggested that fruit juices should be taken fresh and not stored for long. The urge for having something cold is very strong during summers and the only solution is to keep the body hydrated throughout. If we keep drinking water (normal temperature) throughout the day,we would not feel thirsty or have a sudden urge of having something cold suddenly.”

A victim of improper lifestyle,Mangesh Kulkarni,says,“I use to have cold drinks daily during my college days and now I have sensitive teeth. Due to which I am not able to eat or drink anything that is too hot or too cold. I did not pay heed to my doctors suggestion to stop consuming them and the result is sensitive tooth at the age of 45 years and a ban on good food throughout life. Cool water is good for drinking during summers and it is definitely a healthier option to cold drinks,and it doesn’t have to be freezing cold.”

Dr Milind Darde,suggests that if the consumption of cold drinks cannot be avoided altogether then drinking slowly with straw could be one effective but temporary solution. “The change of temperature in mouth changes the pressure and causes sensitivity and also inflammation of nerves. So we should take cold drinks through a straw and not in a gulp,which hampers it directly. However,it is best to avoid such food and have natural juices and water to rehydrate oneself,” he says.