In the United States, nearly 1 in 5 people consume one can of soda every day. This contributes to the consumption of over 50 gallons of soda annually. While carbonated drinks are great to pair with your meals, they are not a healthy diet option. These beverages can cause side effects if you drink them on a regular basis, including damaging your teeth.
Soft drinks, such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, etc., contain sugar in high quantities, and you may already know that sugar is bad for your teeth as well as the body. Moreover, since these drinks are acidic, they can severely damage and wear down your tooth’s enamel. If you are suffering from dental issues, visit Lakewood Ranch dental care today.
What are the side effects of carbonated drinks on your dental health?
- Tooth erosion.
All carbonated soft drinks are highly acidic in nature, and the acids added to these drinks are used to enhance the taste. The pH level of these drinks is usually lower than the pH level of your teeth. When consumed frequently and in large amounts, the acidic nature of such drinks can dissolve the outer layer of your teeth, known as the enamel.
The enamel is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy. Once it becomes damaged, it cannot grow back naturally. This can lead to various complications, such as tooth sensitivity and toothache.
- Tooth decay.
Consuming acidic drinks as a regular part of your diet can turn your teeth yellow and harm your teeth. However, it could result in much more serious health issues than just the color of your teeth.
Your mouth contains bacteria that thrive on sugar, which these carbonated drinks usually contain. These bacteria break down the sugar you consume and produce chemicals that break down the enamel. Once your enamel erodes, it can cause a hole or cavity in your tooth and expose the soft inner core.
Therefore, consuming carbonated drinks increases your risk of developing cavities because they slowly eat away at the enamel.
How can you drink carbonated drinks without hurting your teeth?
While carbonated drinks should never be consumed in exceeding amounts, it is still safe to drink them in small amounts, but not every day. Here are some ways to drink sodas without damaging your teeth:
- Drink quickly without keeping the drink lingering in your mouth.
- Drink with a straw.
- Do not have more than one glass a day.
- Rinse your mouth afterward.
- Avoid soft drinks just before bed.
- Do not brush immediately after drinking a soda. Wait for at least 30 minutes.
- Get regular dental checkups.
If you suspect cavities or tooth decay, visit your dentist today.
