Soda is one of those things that you’ve probably heard isn’t good for your teeth. Not only has your Plano, TX dentist probably said something, but you may have heard it from your parents and in other places as well. It’s well-documented that soda isn’t the best choice for your oral health. Dr. Mark Sowell discusses soda and what exactly it is that makes it so bad for your teeth.
A Perfect Storm
Soda combines two different things that are detrimental to your teeth – sugar and acid. This dangerous combination can impact many layers of your tooth anatomy. Not only can it be bad for the hard enamel on the outside of your teeth, but it can also cause cavities and other problems in the inner layers of your tooth.
Acid is what erodes the enamel on your teeth. The carbonation alone in soda is due to acid, but it’s likely that there’s more than just that one in your soft drink. Other acids like citric acid are usually used to help preserve the drink and add extra flavor. These acids eat away at the enamel, making this protective layer on your teeth weaker.
The sugars in the soda make good food for bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria then produce more acid as a byproduct of consuming sugar. With your enamel already weakened, the bacteria can make their way into deeper layers of the tooth. Dental cavities form over time, creating holes in your teeth from decay.
Diet sodas don’t save you from the sugar consequences, either. They still have their own acids, as well as artificial sweeteners. They still eat away at the layers of your teeth.
Preventing Dental Damage
Of course, the easiest way to prevent damage from soft drinks is to not drink soft drinks. But many of us would find it difficult to kick them altogether. One of the best things you can do is only drink them in moderation. Try to avoid having more than one in a day.
When you do have one, try to drink it quickly. The sugar and acid have less time to work on your teeth. Drinking soda through a straw can also help to keep the harmful products from your teeth. Drinking water and rinsing it around your mouth after you drink soda can also help rinse away lingering acid and sugar.
Despite what you might think, you shouldn’t brush your teeth right after you drink soda, either. You should actually wait 30 minutes to an hour to brush. Your teeth are sensitive right after you drink soda. The friction caused by brushing can actually do more harm to your teeth than good.
Visit Your Dentist in Plano, Texas
If you’re a soda drinker, it’s even more important to keep up with your oral health. Brush and floss twice a day, and make sure you’re visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Dr. Sowell can help you avoid dental damage. Call us or schedule an appointment online today.