06 Jul Harmful Effects of Soda on Teeth
Patients who have a soda habit may not recognize the damage that they’re doing to their smiles. However, as our dentist can tell you, soda is one of the most common dietary culprits of tooth decay.
A major concern about soda is the sugar content. That sugar can provide a nutrition source for cavity-causing bacteria and the acidic byproducts they create as a result of metabolizing those sugars.
Even sugar-free diet sodas can put your smile at risk. All sodas are high in acid content and can weaken the enamel, increasing the likelihood that the tooth will develop decay.
Patients who are consuming multiple sodas per day should consult with their dentist about ways to protect their oral health. The best solution is to swap out your sodas for healthier beverages, like water and milk. Even 100 percent fruit juice (no sugar added) will be better for your teeth than soda.
If you want to continue to enjoy sodas occasionally, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward. This will remove any sugar or acid that might linger in the mouth. Also, be sure to practice good daily oral hygiene and consider fluoride treatments administered by a professional to strengthen your teeth.
In the most severe cases, the patient may suffer tooth loss as a result of advanced decay or a weakened tooth being more susceptible to breakage. These instances may necessitate treatment by an oral surgeon, such as dental implant placement to replace the missing tooth. Be sure that you’re making other good nutrition choices, such as eating lots of fruits and vegetables, avoiding candy or only eating it on rare occasion.
If you drink a lot of soda, you may want to consider cutting back or eliminating this habit entirely to maintain a beautiful smile. Contact our office today to speak with our professional team at Charlottesville Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center about any concerns you have about the harmful effects that soda can have on your teeth.