You probably remember from your very first dentist visit, that soda is bad for your teeth. However, you may not have gotten a lot of details as to WHY soda is so bad for your teeth. So keep reading to find out exactly why soda can be so damaging to your smile!
Soda contains phosphoric and citric acid. These acids work together to attack, erode, and weaken your enamel over time. After a while, you will begin to notice increased sensitivity, staining, and a duller color to your teeth due to the inner portions being more visible through the remaining enamel. This means that even sugar free sodas are not exactly helping protect your teeth, since they still contain these harmful acids.
Some sodas, and even sports and energy drinks also contain huge amounts of sugar. Sugar and regular bacteria found in your mouth will come together to form another harmful acid. This acid mounts another attack on your enamel that lasts about twenty full minutes per sip. Now you have three different acids eroding your enamel at the same time.
In addition to the irreparable damage these acids and sugars do to your enamel, there is also the issue of sodas lowering your mouth’s pH balance. When this happens, it opens the door to harmful bacteria breeding and taking up residence in the cavities created by the acid and sugar. This leads to even more increased sensitivity, pain, loosening, and bigger cavities.
So now that you know why and how bad soda really is for your teeth, how can you do some damage control?
- Avoid it altogether. Do not drink soda, energy drinks, or sports drinks. Drink water instead, and try black tea or coffee if you need an energy boost.
- Use a straw. Using a straw pushed to the back of your mouth will do much less damage than sipping and spreading the liquid over the surfaces of all your teeth.
- Drink water at the same time. After a sip of soda, swish a sip of water around your mouth to wash away the acids and sugar.
- Have it with meals. Using the last two methods in tandem with eating a meal, will help keep you rpm balance intact. This prevents that nasty bacteria from building up and wreaking all kinds of havoc on your oral health.
I hope this has helped to educate you about how truly dangerous soda is for your teeth. Always remember to keep up with regular dental cleanings and checkups, as well as a proper daily oral hygiene regimen. Never be afraid to ask your dentist about any concerns or questions you have about your oral health. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!