WHAT DOES SODA DO TO YOUR TEETH?

THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT SODA DOES TO OUR TEETH

How we treat our teeth makes a huge difference in how our teeth hold up and how well they perform. We all drink soda, but do any of us really know what it does to teeth?

SUGAR CAN CAUSE CAVITIES AND OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS.

Aside from being sugary which can help aid in the formation of cavities, that sugar also combines with the bacteria in your mouth to form acid, this acid then breaks down the enamel of teeth making them brittle and weak. The sugar content in soda far surpasses the healthy amount of sugar that you should be eating each day. The acid in normal soda that is created when bacteria and sugar combine is just one of the ill effects. If sugars are allowed to sit on the teeth for too long, it can aid in the formation of cavities that can lead to major decay and damage to your teeth.

ACID CAN DAMAGE DENTIN AND FILLINGS.

Soda works to remove and erode the outermost layer of your teeth. The acids that are created in your mouth when you drink soda work to soften the enamel on teeth and to remove it entirely. The damage however does not stop there. The acids in soda can also affect the next layer of the tooth, the dentin. When soft spots and weakened areas of the teeth are exposed to the sugar that is in soda, they are more likely to develop cavities. On top of that, acid from soda can also affect composite fillings causing added decay and damage. With each sip of soda that you take, the onslaught of acid lasts about 20 minutes. If you are drinking soda, it may be helpful to take a sip of water after you are done drinking to help wash the bacteria and acid off of your teeth.

DIET SODA ISN’T BETTER.

Think diet soda is safer? Think again. Diet soda has acid of its own that is part of its chemical makeup that can attack and weaken teeth as well. That does not mean you cannot drink soda of any type, ever again. It simply means that you have to take care and take proper steps to clean teeth after drinking soda. Diet soda does as much damage and regular, full sugar soda and people often drink more of it thinking it is healthier which leads to even more acid damage.

STRAWS DON’T HELP EITHER.

Though one might think that drinking through a straw might help, this actually just deposits the soda at the back of the mouth near the molars. These teeth are susceptible to cavities anyway because they are harder to clean and because they have deep grooves and divots where food and bacteria tend to collect. This direct depositing of soda to the back of the mouth also works to concentrate the area in the mouth where the residue of soda builds up.

PREVENTION IS POSSIBLE.

Soda is one of the most popular drinks in the world and it’s not going to lose that distinction anytime soon. If you want to drink soda that is perfectly fine, but you need to brush your teeth immediately following drinking soda. If you cannot brush, make sure to rinse with water a few times. You can always avoid soda but if you do want to drink it, just take care of your teeth after.

You should be brushing and flossing twice a day and seeing a dentist regularly to point out any issues that may be present before they become huge issues that damage your teeth for good. If you have dental damage from whatever life has thrown at you, Dobson Ranch Dental Care can help you to get your smile back and start feeling better about yourself again. Make an appointment today!