Harmful Effects of Soda on Teeth

We often hear about the negative effects that soda can have on our waistlines, but people who want to protect their oral health have good reason to avoid soda, too.

Dallas County dentists advise their patients to avoid soda to maintain strong, healthy teeth. Research suggests that soda is a major dietary contributor to tooth decay.

The primary concern from soda is the acidic content, which can soften the enamel and send you to the dentist to have a cavity filled. Acids in the mouth can eat away at the enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to decay.

Obviously, another major concern with soda is the sugar content. When oral bacteria metabolize sugars in the mouth, an acidic byproduct is produced, leading to the same effects described above.

Switching to diet isn’t necessarily a safe choice for your oral health, either. Although they don’t contain sugar, these beverages are still acidic and can have similar, if less dramatic, effects on the enamel.

Patients who want to limit soda consumption should ideally switch to water, milk or fruit juice without added sugars. These are the best beverage choices for protecting your oral health.

If you do drink large amounts of soda and don’t feel ready to reduce your consumption at this time, be sure to at least schedule dental appointments every six months for cleanings and checkups. This will allow your dentist to keep tabs on signs of decay and address cavities when they are smaller and the intervention can be more conservative. Patients who drink lots of soda should also be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste to give the teeth additional support. A fluoridated mouthwash may also be appropriate.

Americans drink a lot of soda, despite the well-documented harmful effects of these beverages. Soda junkies should consider at least cutting back on their favorite drinks, if not eliminating them entirely. One of the many benefits you’ll get will be healthier, stronger teeth.