MiO is a very popular water enhancer that allows you to add flavor to your water without adding any calories. It comes in small bottles and in various flavors, so everyone can find something for them.
Unfortunately for some, though, MiO is made with artificial sweeteners. Some studies show that these sweeteners are harmful to our teeth, causing tooth decay, cavities, and many other issues. So, what about MiO? Is it bad for your teeth?
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Is MiO Bad For Your Teeth?
Luckily for all MiO fans, these water enhancer drops aren’t cariogenic – this means that MiO doesn’t damage your teeth or cause tooth decay. So, you can safely drink water infused with MiO without worrying about the health of your teeth.
MiO is also an excellent choice for people who struggle with drinking enough water each day.
It adds flavor to the water, making it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day. Most varieties also come with some vitamins and electrolytes. So, you can get some nutrients out of MiO too.
Is MiO acidic?
MiO contains citric acid, sodium citrate, and artificial sweeteners. These ingredients tend to be acidic, which means that they can trigger some acid-related issues in people sensitive to acidic foods and beverages.
For example, it’s not recommended to drink MiO for people with acid reflux or GERD, as these ingredients will definitely worsen your symptoms.
While these ingredients are acidic, most studies still show that drinking MiO-infused water in moderation shouldn’t cause tooth decay and other teeth issues.
But remember that this only applies if you don’t overdo it on MiO.
On the other hand, some people have reported that drinking MiO-infused water has made their teeth more sensitive. But according to research, this only happens if your teeth are sensitive, to begin with.
So, if you suffer from issues like periodontitis, you might want to avoid drinking too much MiO or avoid it completely.
Instead, you might be better off drinking lemon- or mint-infused water. This type of beverage is alkaline and not harmful to your teeth.
Is MiO good for your health?
MiO is generally used to make drinking water easier, as it comes in a wide variety of flavors and with no calories.
Some of the most common flavors include Fruit Punch, Black Cherry, Strawberry Lemon, Orange Tangerine, and Lemon Lime.
These allow you to add flavor to your water, which is helpful for those who can’t bring themselves to drink plain water. In that sense, MiO can help prevent dehydration.
It also helps ensure that you’re getting your recommended water intake – about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) a day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women.
Depending on the MiO variety you choose, you can get some vitamins and minerals from drinking water infused with it.
For example, MiO Vitamins contains vitamins B3, B6, and B12. These nutrients improve blood fat levels, promote brain health, and help with the production of red blood cells, among others.
Each serving of MiO Vitamins contains 10% of your daily recommended need for each of these vitamins, which is a pretty good serving.
What’s more, MiO Sport – another MiO variety – contains several electrolytes: sodium and potassium.
These two minerals help maintain fluid balance in your body, improving hydration and preventing dehydration. A single serving of MiO Sport contains about 75 mg of sodium and 35 mg of potassium.
Because of the mineral content, drinking MiO-infused water can be helpful during intense workout sessions to ensure adequate hydration.
If you’re looking for something with caffeine, you can also try MiO Energy. There is about 60 mg of caffeine in a single serving of MiO Energy – about one cup of regular black coffee.
So, if you’re not a fan of coffee but still need some pick-me-up, choosing MiO Energy can be good for you.
But, as always, make sure not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, which isn’t good for you in the long run.
Many people worry that drinking beverages containing artificial sweeteners is bad for their health.
Luckily, studies don’t confirm that occasional consumption of drinks containing artificial sweeteners causes any health problems.
So, as long as you drink beverages with artificial sweeteners in moderation, you shouldn’t experience any problems.
MiO-infused water can also be a good choice for people with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels.
In moderation, artificial sweeteners don’t raise your blood sugar levels and don’t cause spikes in them. This is beneficial for people with diabetes.
But always make sure to consult your doctor or dietitian before adding any new foods and beverages to your diet if you suffer from any health conditions like diabetes or acid reflux.
That way, you can avoid any health problems.
So, overall, if you drink MiO in moderation, you shouldn’t experience any negative side effects on your health.
Are all MiO versions OK for your teeth?
All MiO products contain similar ingredients. So, if one MiO product doesn’t cause you any problems, it’s the same for every other product.
Still, it’s important to dilute MiO in water properly. This is crucial, as not doing so can, in fact, cause teeth problems. This is because MiO is very concentrated, so you need just a few drops.
If you add too much, you can experience problems related to acidity.
It also might be best to choose MiO Original instead of other flavored versions, especially if your teeth are sensitive to acidic foods and beverages. MiO Original contains fewer acidic ingredients, so it might be easier on your teeth.
Conclusion
If consumed in moderation, MiO isn’t harmful to your teeth and shouldn’t cause tooth decay or cavities.
But this only applies if you stick to a certain serving size and follow an otherwise healthy diet.
It’s also important to remember that MiO contains artificial sweeteners, which aren’t good for your health in large amounts. So, while it’s OK to drink MiO from time to time, it’s generally best to drink plain water, juices, or teas.
Sources: MiO, National Library of Medicine, and PMC