Is Coconut Water Just Another Disguise for Sugar and Water?

Americans have been increasingly skeptical about the drinks we ingest, especially with the focus on childhood obesity and the news articles about Gatorade removing a chemical (brominated vegetable oil) used in some places as a flame retardant. This has the team here at Hamlin Dental Group thinking about sugar in drinks that we consider healthy. Recently, there has been a spotlight on Pom and Vitamin Water and how overly sweet they are, with many questioning that they have any positive health effects.

This made us think about the very trendy coconut water. Keep in mind that the USDA recommends about 40 grams of sugar per day (based off of a 2000 calorie diet). Here are a few popular coconut waters and the amount of sugar they contain per 1 serving:

• Zico: 14 g of sugar per 11 oz.
• Vita Coco: 20 g of sugar per 11.2 oz.
• C2O: 12 g of sugar per 8 oz.

As a local dentist in North Hollywood, Van Nuys, and Northridge, Hamlin Dental Group is concerned about so-called "healthy drinks" and their effects on the oral health of our patients. Here at Hamlin Dental Group, we stress good oral hygiene, including maintenance at home and making sure your diet is having a detrimental effect on your teeth.

Of course, we can't ask our patients to cut out all sugary food and drinks; it's just not reasonable and everybody should be able to have a treat every now and then. For many, the risk from the added sugar intake is not important because of the health benefits they perceive. However, as your dentist in Northridge, North Hollywood, or Van Nuys, a Hamlin Dental Group doctor can ask you to make smarter decisions and to consider everything you're putting into your body for the sake of your teeth!

A regular cleaning and check-up will also help counterbalance the ingestion of sugary drinks. Call 888.400.8011 to schedule a meeting with a dentist in Van Nuys, North Hollywood, or Northridge today!