It takes a lot to damage our teeth as they are incredibly resilient to wear and impact. In fact, the enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body. Our teeth are susceptible to damage, though, particularly from sugar.
One of the most concentrated consumables that we enjoy regularly is soda. This syrupy, carbonated beverage is great to quench your thirst on a hot day, but it is jam-packed with sugar. In this article, we are going to discuss soda and its relationship with our health and take a look at whether or not soda is actually bad for your teeth.
Is Soda Bad for Your Teeth?
Unfortunately, soda has been shown to be incredibly bad for your oral health, particularly your teeth. As well as causing a host of problems such as obesity, diabetes and unhealthy weight gain, it can also cause havoc on your teeth.
Drinking a refreshing can of soda is a surefire way for concentrated sugars to enter your mouth. From here, bacteria in your mouth will feed off the sugar to form a corrosive acid which can damage the enamel found on your teeth. It is estimated that for every drink of soda you take, you are creating a harmful chemical reaction that lasts around 20 minutes. An entire can of soda will cause this reaction to occur multiple times, putting the health of your teeth in serious jeopardy.
The Types of Damage Soda Does to Your Teeth
There are two main ways that the sugar from soda attacks teeth, erosion, and cavities.
Erosion occurs when the accumulated acids from soda interact with tooth enamel. Although incredibly strong, the enamel is softened when it comes into contact with these acids, weakening their protective qualities.
Cavities are a different beast entirely and are created when bacteria is allowed to enter through the damaged enamel. Here, the tooth itself begins to deteriorate and decay, which leaves a hole in the tooth and can be sensitive and painful.
Preventing Damage to Your Teeth From Soda
The easiest way to avoid cavities and erosion is to take soda out of your diet entirely. If you still want to drink soda, though, there are other ways to prevent further damage to your teeth.
- Try to cut soda intake back to one drink per day.
- Drink your soda quickly to lessen the chances of sugar interacting with your teeth.
- Try using a straw to direct soda away from your teeth.
- Make sure to visit a compassionate dentist regularly for dental cleanings and check-ups.
So to answer the original question – is soda actually bad for my teeth? Yes, absolutely it is! Try to lower your consumption as much as possible, or stop drinking it entirely, to give your teeth the best chance of staying healthy for longer.