No matter how refreshing it is to throw back a chilled can of soda on a hot day, its negative effects make it a drink that you should avoid at all costs. For example, soda has a large number of empty calories and loads of sugar, which have the potential to lead to diabetes. Studies have even revealed that by just consuming a single can of soda a day, you raise your risk of getting a heart attack by 48%!
Not to mention the adverse affects of soda on your teeth, which experts claim is akin to gulping down battery fluid, as it can damage your teeth within 3 minutes of consumption.
That’s why in this article, we will help you understand more about the negative impact of soda on your dental health, so that you can kick the soda-sipping habit to the curb, or at least avoid it more often.
Why Do Soft Drinks Cause So Much Tooth Decay and Damage?
The primary ingredient in a can of soda is sugar. Then, the next attractive ingredient is carbonation. Combined, they lead to painful dental decay, ugly teeth stains and enamel erosion.
As you drink soda, the bacteria already in your teeth clings to the sugar from it and the more you drink, the more it grows, leading to teeth decay, cavities and/or rotting.
The increase in the bacteria could also mean teeth sensitivity and gum disease, followed by tooth loss.In fact, over usage and consumption of soft drinks could also lead to calcium loss from your teeth and jaws, leading to easy chipping and/or breakage of teeth. That is why regular visits to your local dental office are pertinent for a thorough diagnosis and treatment, especially if you start experiencing tooth discomfort or sensitivity.
Does Diet Soda Help In Avoiding Teeth Decay?
Even if you like gulping down diet soda, which is supposedly sugar-free, there are a plethora of acid-creating ingredients, which can prove to be extremely harmful for your dental health.
A research study, conducted at the University of Melbourne’s Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre, revealed that sugar-free or diet soft drinks are packed with ingredients that lead to dental erosion – a process where your tooth enamel gets stripped and the soft, uber-sensitive insides get exposed. In fact, the phosphoric acid in sodas, along with the citric acid/citrate acid, form a bond with calcium, and attack your teeth, eventually weakening it and giving you a chalky flavor.
Who’s Teeth Does Drinking Soda Affect The Most?
Children and teenagers are the most susceptible to teeth decay and overall dental health problems. Their tooth enamel isn’t fully developed, so the acid reacts more strongly and their teeth are easily weakened.
How to Reduce Tooth Damage from Sodas?
Here are a few things you can try to keep tooth decay and other dental issues at the minimum:
1. To prevent soda stains on your teeth, drink your chilled beverages through a straw, and don’t swish! Just swallow the moment the soda is in your mouth.
2. Brush your teeth properly after you have a soda.
Be warned to delay brushing for an hour or longer, after consumption of citrus drinks, as your enamel gets softened and can be easily attacked by the acid.
3. Consider a glass of water, or fresh fruit juice, the next time you feel the need to quench your thirst with a soft drink.
4. Try to consume your soda quickly so that your teeth are not exposed to the acid for a longer duration. Also, reduce the number of times you have soda in general.
5. Always rinse your mouth after throwing back a can of soda, if you are not home, and don’t have access to your toothbrush.
If you take a few proactive steps in the right direction, you can ensure that your teeth remain healthy and decay-free. For more information regarding dental health, contact Lifetime Smiles to schedule a dental checkup at (760) 747-1811 today!
