How Soda Affects Your Teeth
With the weather getting warmer you might find yourself wanting to enjoy a nice cold soda on a warm spring day. But beware soda is known by many dentists as the “liquid chainsaw” and after seeing hundreds or possibly thousands of teeth ruined by sugary temptation we must stress to be highly conscious of your soda intake. In today’s blog post we’ll cover how soda affects the teeth, and ways to minimize the effects if you do choose to enjoy a can of your favorite sugary carbonated beverage.
How Soda Damages Your Teeth
Soda is considered one of the worst beverages for your teeth because of its high acidity and sugar content. The acidity of the soda directly affects the outermost enamel of your teeth, weakening it and causing it to erode slowly. This can cause cavities to form and create spaces for bacteria to get lodged and multiply. The sugary acidic residue then feeds the bacteria and causes them to produce additional acids which continue to harm your teeth.
How to minimize the damage
Moderate: Ensure you are limiting your intake of soda to at MOST one can per day. That will do enough damage to your teeth as it is. The slower you drink your beverage the longer your mouth will remain acidic, so don’t think you’re safe sipping on one all day either.
Use a straw: The less contact the soda makes with your teeth the better. A straw helps direct the soda and sugars away from your teeth.
Rinse after: Giving your mouth a good swish with water after you are done will help eliminate remaining sugars and acids, giving your mouth a chance to return to normal.
Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride is proven to help strengthen tooth enamel and will help offset the damage the soda is doing. It is recommended you wait 30 minutes to an hour after drinking soda to brush your teeth, as the friction can damage your vulnerable teeth.
Drink soda with food: When you drink a soda with food there will be significantly more saliva in your mouth. This will help neutralize and flush the acids away from your teeth.
Get regular cleanings/check ups: Ensure you are getting regular check ups with your dentist. They can spot problems early and take care of them before they become bigger. A professional cleaning can also remove any built up plaque or bacteria buildup that might be hiding out of sight.
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Before you crack open that delicious can of cola, make sure that you are conscious of the effect it will have on your oral health. If you decide it is worth it, we recommend going through necessary precautions to ensure that your teeth are taken care of. If you are struggling with any form of dental decay, or are just interested in getting a better view of your dental situation, we offer free consultations at our Layton, Bountiful, Murray, and Lehi locations. Reach out to us at 801-447-2988 or contact us online here.
