How Soda Can Impact Your Teeth

How Soda Can Impact Your Teeth

Are you a regular or diet soda drinker? According to a recent Gallup poll, 48 percent of Americans consume at least one soft drink per day. On average, soda drinkers finish 2.6 glasses of the bubbly beverage every day.
Soda has come under scrutiny recently because it has a long list of negative health side effects, including links to weight gain, depression, and diabetes. But did you know that soda could be really detrimental to your teeth as well? Here is a glimpse of how soda can impact your oral hygiene:
Acids Dissolve Tooth Enamel
It is not true that leaving a tooth in a glass of soda overnight will completely dissolve the tooth. According to Popular Mechanics, and common sense, this old urban legend is just a myth. Acidic properties in regular and even diet sodas do dissolve tooth enamel though. Soda’s acidity therefore opens the way for tooth decay and a whole host of dental problems.
Sugar Feeds Harmful Bacteria
Tooth decay occurs when food and beverage debris remain in your mouth forming plaque. Plaque buildup allows the bacteria in your mouth to feed and multiply, wearing away at the surface enamel of your teeth. Bacteria love feeding on the sugary carbohydrates in soda and may dissolve your tooth enamel, leading to cavities and severe decay.

What to Drink Instead?
Try drinking water instead. Most Americans don’t drink enough water, and unlike soda, water can boost you mental and physical health. If you are looking for a healthier beverage with caffeine, try substituting a black or green tea. For the sweet, carbonated effects of soda, mix a few tablespoons of healthy fruit juice with plain seltzer water. There’s also a healthy alternative to soda called Kurij that is made right here in Tucson by a dentist- so you know it won’t do any damage to your teeth! More info on Kurij can be found here: http://kurij.com/Main/Welcome.html
Be proactive about your dental health by contacting the Tucson offices of Tucson dentist Dr. John Carson DDS. Call us at (520) 514-7203 to set up an appointment for your next cleaning and exam.