Your dental practice might have already told you that sugar is horrible for both teeth and gums. That includes candy, cookies, cake, and pies but also sweet sodas. The average person in the U.S. drinks almost 40 gallons of soda a year. That alone keeps a dental practice busy. With that level of consumption, it is no wonder why so many people ask what soda can do to teeth.
When it comes to drinking soda, two main things can damage teeth. The first is that as a super sugary beverage, soda causes cavities. The second is that soda is a direct contributor to tooth erosion. So, why do these two things happen?
A dental practice explains the sugar in soda interacts with bacteria inside of the mouth. That causes a reaction that leads to the formation of acid, which then attacks teeth. Not only is regular soda a problem but also the sugar-free kind, as well. The damaging reaction lasts roughly 20 minutes. So, when sipping on soda throughout the day, teeth are constantly attacked.
As for erosion, as soon as the acid caused by soda comes into contact with tooth enamel, it begins an erosion process. Tooth enamel softens to the point that its protection becomes compromised. The more compromised the enamel, the worse things get. If not diagnosed and treated early, an individual could experience severe damage.
Due to how soda impacts teeth and gums, a dental practice includes education as part of regularly scheduled visits. However, a dentist will also answer any questions a patient has. Telling someone to simply give up soda is not that easy. This is why a dental practice offers alternative solutions.
The ideal thing a person could do is to stop drinking soda altogether. However, for some people, that is not an option. In that case, even cutting down can lower the risk of cavities and erosion. Although just one soda can damage teeth, an individual should strive to have just one soda per day.
The longer someone sips on soda, the higher risk of tooth damage. However, some people cannot kick their soft drink habit. So, they should try to drink quickly. That will reduce the amount of time the sugars and acids have to start the destructive process.
Here is a great piece of advice from a dental practice. By sipping through a stray, the soda does not come into contact with the teeth as much. This also helps reduce discoloration for people who enjoy drinking other beverages that stain teeth. These include coffee, tea, and wine.
If you enjoy drinking soda, talk to your dentist for professional guidance. You might make a good candidate for a sealant, which could help. If possible, give up your soda for the sake of your teeth. In the long run, this is the ideal option.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Practice in Plainview, NY
Request an appointment or call Plainview Dental at 516-255-6716 for an appointment in our Plainview office.
Flossing is an essential oral hygiene habit, and your dental practice can show you the right way to do it. The process can dislodge bits of plaque and food stuck between the teeth. That reduces the plaque and bacteria buildup, preventing cavities and decay. Many people brush the teeth, but flossing is not as common.…
A dental practice offers a range of dental services, and one of those is the exam and cleaning. Designed to help prevent tooth decay, these services involve removing plaque and bacteria. The practice also offers patient education, so patients know how to care for the teeth while at home. These practices can help a patient…
While most people visit a dental practice every six months, others only go on occasion or not at all. For those individuals, the thought of seeing a dentist causes a lot of anxiety. Hopefully, the information provided about how a dentist treats a cavity will answer questions and put them at ease. These people will…