Soda and Tooth Decay
Soda and cavities go hand in hand. Research continues to show that soda consumption leads to dental health and overall health issues. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Sugar in Soda
Twelve-ounce cans of soda can contain up to forty grams of sugar. This combines with the bacteria in your mouth to form an acid. Then, that acid attacks your teeth and weakens the enamel. This leads to tooth decay which turns into cavities.
The acid has the power to attack your teeth for up to twenty minutes. What’s worse is that the process starts over with every sip of soda you take. Other drinks are just as bad such as sports drinks, ice tea and juices.
You might think that switching to a diet drink would alleviate the problem but they are also a major cause of cavities. While they lack sugar, they still feature a high acid content which wears away your tooth enamel.
Teens and Soda
Teenagers seem to be the most susceptible to dental issues related to soda because of how much they consume. In fact, teens drink as many as twelve sodas per day. Teens also have enamel that isn’t fully developed yet which puts them more at risk.
Preventing Cavities
While the best solution is to avoid these drinks altogether, many people won’t stop. For that reason, we’ve listed some tips that will help to lessen the effect soda has on the teeth. Keep in mind that these tips should always be combined with proper dental hygiene for the best results.
• Limit the intake of soda to one 12oz can each day.
• When drinking, use a straw and bypass the teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water after drinking soda.
• Maintain proper hydration levels by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Chew sugarless gum after meals and drinking.
• Brush and floss daily.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Visit your dentist twice a year.
• Watch the sugar content of your drinks.
• Don’t sip on beverages for long periods of time.
• Don’t drink harmful beverages before bed.
If you have questions or concerns about the effect of soda on your teeth, be sure to speak with your dentist in Webster Groves, MO at your next appointment. Our office can be reached at (314) 962-2747.
