Studies have shown that approximately half of the global population have a sugary drink everyday – and there is a high chance the sugary drink is soda.
Now soda is generally known for contributing to type 2 diabetes and obesity, but it can also cause tooth decay.
According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), men are more prone to sugary drink consumption. The teenage boys get about 275 calories from soda per day. The number drops slightly when they enter their 20s and 30s.
The sugars present in the soda interact with the bacteria present in the mouth to create acid. The acid vigorously attacks the teeth. With every sip of soda, you start a destructive reaction that lasts for minimum 20 minutes. If you drink all day, your teeth remain under continuous danger.
The Main Effects of Sugary Drinks on Teeth
There are two main effects of sugary drinks: cavities and erosion
- Erosion
Erosion begins right when the acids in the sugary drinks come in contact with the enamel. Enamel is the outer coating that protects the teeth. The acids alleviate the toughness of the enamel. Sports drinks and fruit juices can also damage the enamel but to a lesser extent.
- Cavities
Sugary drinks do not stop with the enamel. It impacts the dentin, too, the next layer, and even the composite fillings. This paves the way for cavity formation. People who drink sodas daily suffer from cavities. Poor hygiene exacerbates the situation more.
Preventive Measures
Rather than wondering about treatments or the cosmetic aspects of dentistry can save your smile, why not stop drinking soda? But many cannot just shake off the habit. There are a couple things you may do to minimize the risk, however.
- Drink Quickly
The longer you take to drink soda, the more time it will have to negatively impact the teeth. The faster you will drink, the less time the acids and sugars will get to damage the teeth. Do not utilize this excuse to drink more sodas.
- Maintain a Balance
You must maintain a balance when drinking sodas. Have only one sugary drink each day. Just one will not do much damage, hopefully.
- Use Straw
Using straws is quite beneficial. They keep the damaging sugars and acids away from the teeth.
- Rinse Mouth Afterwards
Rinsing the mouth with water after drinking sodas, wash away the acids and sugars immediately. They do not get the opportunity to attack the teeth.
- Wait before Brushing
Contrary to popular belief, brushing teeth right after drinking soda is not a good idea. That is because the force applied by the brush on the still vulnerable teeth can do more harm. Wait for half an hour at least.
- Opt for Regular Cleanings
Finally, regular cleanings will keep the problems at bay before they can worsen.
Alternatives
Select sodas that have low sugar and acid content. Researchers found out that Coca-Cola and Pepsi are the most damaging drinks in the market at present. Gatorade and Dr. Pepper are not far behind. Sprite and Diet Coke are more viable choices.
Women care about their health much more, so they would look out for the alternatives stated above or implement preventive measures for sure. The men (there are exceptions) hardly care. Well, anyone who fails to stay away from sodas must, unfortunately, be prepared to spend a major portion of their life in a dental office.
