Soda Vs. Your Teeth
Whether you call it pop, soda, cola, or tonic, it fights the same battle with your teeth through every sip. While we all know how delicious these carbonated drinks can be, how many people truly understand the damage that they can cause to our teeth? According to a 2014 study, it is calculated that on any given day 60.7% of children and 50% of adults drank a sugary soda or beverage.
How Soda Negatively Affects Your Teeth
Two of the most common ways that soda can affect your teeth are tooth erosion and cavities.
Tooth Erosion
When the acid in soda comes into contact with the tooth’s enamel, it can soften and erode the enamel layer as well as make the teeth appear dull and yellow. Picture little soda acid warriors attacking your tooth’s enamel every time you take a sip of your favorite soda pop. Although it’s still harmful to the teeth of adults, it is important to note that kids and teens are especially susceptible to tooth erosion from soda as their enamel is still forming during this time.
Cavities
Unfortunately, drinking soda can also lead to tooth decay. The combination of both acid from the soda and bacteria that is already in the mouth can lead to increased plaque and therefore cause cavities. The weakened enamel that we mentioned above can also lead to the formation of cavities. Be sure to make your regular appointments to see your dentist so that any tooth erosion or decay can be spotted and immediately remedied before it turns into a more serious dental issue.
Tips For Avoiding Damage
If you love to drink soda but also want to keep your mouth healthy, we’re here to tell you it’s possible to do both at the same time. Here’s how:
- Drink more water.
- Brush and floss your teeth after drinking a soda
- Aim to drink less soda a day
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Drink soda through a straw
Contact Us
Are you interested in learning more about the battle between sugary soda and your teeth? Do you have tooth decay or are starting to lose teeth due to your love for soda? We’ve got you covered. To reach Dr. Pollock at Rockwall Oral Surgery, please make an appointment with us by giving us a call today at (469) 264-8921. We also would love for you to visit our contact page or to reach us via email at info@dentalimplantsurgery.com.
