Soda, Sugary Drinks, and Oral Hygiene

Soda, Sugary Drinks, and Oral Hygiene
By The Wave Agency

Sugary drinks and soda are a part of the diet of many Americans. Drinks full of sugar can lead to a variety of health conditions if consumed in excess. Weight gain, obesity, diabetes and other afflictions are possible through sugary drink consumption to a high degree, but nowhere is it more evident that sugary drinks have an adverse effect on health than within your teeth.

Sodas and other sugary drinks can lead to damage to your teeth, an increase in cavities, and an overall negative impact on your smile. When drinking soda, sugars cause the bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which is also a leading contributor towards tooth erosion and other negative effects to your teeth. Sodas themselves also contain acids on their own. These negative impacts on your teeth are particularly evident if soda is consumed throughout the day.

One of the main effects of soda on teeth is erosion. When the acids in soft drinks combine with the acid formed by your own oral bacteria, and when these acids come in contact with enamel, they begin to soften and damage the outer layer of your teeth.

Soda, however, does much more than simply soften the outside of your teeth. Soda and other soft drinks can break through to the next layer of your teeth, damaging natural dentin as well as fillings. This causes sodas to be easy cavity-formers. These factors combined with poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of oral health problems down the line.

You can prevent damage through a variety of solutions, but what is often suggested by dentists is to avoid soft drinks in general. Still, this is a big ask for those who regularly consume sugary drinks and soda, and so drinking sodas in moderation can be a key component to reducing the damage caused by these kinds of drinks.

For all of your oral health needs, e.s.i. Healthy Dentistry can help you find your way to your best smile. Schedule an appointment today!