DoFor your teeth specifically, the sugar and acid from soft drinks can cause serious harm if you’re not taking the proper precautions. 

According to a study, over half of American adults drink soda each day. That’s a lot of people enjoying these sweet beverages! Do you know the kind of effects soda can have on your teeth? They’re not always good. Keep reading to learn what your daily beverage could be doing your teeth! 

The Negative Effects of Soda 

One of the main problems with soda is the excessive amount of sugar. Not only is this bad for your teeth, but it’s also bad for your overall health. Sugar, in large amounts, is not only high in calories, but it doesn’t leave you feeling satiated. Due to this, most people who drink soda are more likely to put on weight and have health problems associated with that. Healthline details other common problems associated with soda are:

• Excessive sugar turns into fat in the liver
• Sugar drastically increases belly fat 
• It can cause insulin resistance
• It’s one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes 
• Has no other health value, no vitamins, just sugar 
• Leptin resistance, which can cause obesity 
• It’s addictive 
• Can increase risk for heart disease 
• Increased risk of cancer 
• Dental health problems

Soft Drinks and Teeth

Our teeth and oral health do not respond well to sugar. However, it’s not the sugar that directly causes the problem. When we eat or drink sugary things, the bacteria found in the mouth clings to the sugar. This bacteria thrives on sugar, which results in it working to destroy your tooth enamel.

Most soda contains different kinds of acids – phosphoric and citric. No matter which you consume, these aren’t good for your teeth. The acid breaks down the teeth’s enamel, which puts you at a higher risk for cavities, tooth decay, and more. 

Cavities are the result of a bacterial infection that happens due to the acids. Acid causes holes to develop within the teeth. Once cavities progress, you’ll begin experiencing painful symptoms, like:

• Toothaches
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Seeing holes on the teeth
• Staining on tooth
• Trouble chewing 

If you don’t seek treatment for cavities, they can cause serious problems. If left untreated, cavities can cause infections to develop. This could result in losing the tooth completely. 

Not only are cavities a concern of drinking soda, but dark beverages like soda also put you at risk for teeth staining and more. 

Enjoying Soda and Protecting Your Teeth

If you’re not ready to give up your daily dose of soda, there are ways you can work to keep your mouth clean, but you have to be vigilant about the process. To best protect your oral health, limit your soda intake to one per day, use a straw, rinse with water after drinking, and most importantly – wait before you brush.

This sounds counterintuitive, but if you brush right after consuming a soft drink, your mouth is already sensitive due to the acid from the drink. A good rule of thumb is to let your mouth rest for at least half an hour before brushing the bacteria away. 

Teeth are made to last a lifetime, and while you should be able to enjoy the things you love, doing so in moderation will help protect your health. 

Cavity Prevention

The best way to prevent cavities is to develop a proper dental hygiene routine. We recommend doing the following at home:

• Using a fluoride toothpaste 
• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day 
• Flossing each day 
• Using mouthwash 
• Cleaning your tongue

However, one of the best ways to prevent cavities from progressing is to keep your regular dental checkups. Seeing your dentist every six months can help stop problems before they begin. Unfortunately, we can’t see every part of our mouth. Due to this, we can miss those beginning warning signs of tooth decay and other problems. Your dentist is trained to notice these and is able to see all parts of your mouth. If you see your dentist regularly, you’re less likely to experience severe dental health issues. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Dr. Ania’s main priority is your overall health. If you want to get your dental health back on track, make an appointment with Dr. Ania today. She will work with you to treat any issues you have, and give you advice on what your specific dental hygiene routine should look like. Call today to learn more: (303)-872-9940.