Soda Versus Your Teeth
We know that soda is bad for our health because of all the sugar in it. But did you know that all soda, including diet, is bad for your teeth?
What does soda do to your teeth?
Soda has sugars in it that the bacteria in your mouth turns into acids. Soda is also already very acidic. When you drink soda it is a double whammy. The acids that the soda contains and are produced by the sugar attacking the enamel of your teeth and breaking it down. The soda can keep attacking your teeth for up to 20 minutes. Every time you take another drink, the 20 minutes start over. Can you imagine how much harm this could do to your teeth if you drink a lot of soda and are not careful to protect your teeth?
How do I prevent damage from soda?
Does this mean we can’t ever have soda? Getting rid of soda in your life is going to be the best thing for your teeth. It is hard to give it up completely though. Indulging in a soda every once in a while probably won’t destroy your teeth. On the other hand, sipping on it all day long every day likely will cause tooth decay. How can we combat tooth decay from drinking soda?
- Drinking soda (and other sugary beverages) only when you are eating a meal will help keep the soda from sitting on your teeth for that full 20 minutes. Chewing on food can help remove the acid and sugar from your teeth.
- Drink your soda quickly rather than sippin on it throughout the day. Remember, everytime you take another sip, the soda starts another 20 minute attack.
- After you drink soda, you can rinse the sugar from your mouth by drinking water.
- Brushing your teeth an hour after drinking a soda can be a good idea. You don’t want to do it right away because your enamel is in a vulnerable state but after 30 to 60 minutes it is a good idea to brush to remove any leftover sugar.
- Drink through a straw. This will direct the soda away from your teeth and straight through your mouth.
- Don’t drink soda right before bed. This allows the soda to sit on your teeth and attack them all night long.
- Use toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride to help strengthen your enamel. Once damaged, your enamel can’t repair itself.
- Make sure to go to all your regular dental check ups. These should be once every six months.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can suffer from tooth decay due to drinking soda. Children are more at risk of tooth decay from soda than adults. Children's teeth and enamel are not fully developed making the damage to the enamel more severe and potentially irreparable.
Take action to protect your teeth from the harm that soda can do and schedule your next appointment. You can schedule an appointment at Family Dental Health Center by calling 208-529-0120