Sometimes there’s nothing more refreshing than a nice cold can of soda, especially on a hot day. It can give you energy and chase away your thirst. Unfortunately, it can also cause significant dental problems. The dangers of soda and your teeth are well established, and can lead to the need for expensive restorative dentistry services.It requires commitment and vigilance to avoid the temptation of soda and the problems it can cause. The soda aisle is still prominent in most groceries and a key item on most fast-food menus. Healthier options are gradually reaching the mainstream, but the risks remain. Soda and your teeth are not a good combination.
Soda and Your Teeth
Soda’s main ingredient is sugar. The more sugar you expose your teeth to, the greater risk for dental woes. The sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acids. Those acids then go on the attack, causing significant erosion of enamel that is there to protect your teeth from damage.And the erosion of enamel is where the trouble starts. It can then lead to cavities and or accelerate the decay of your teeth.When you are young, that might not sound too bad. But the trouble only grows exponentially over time. Today it might be a cavity; tomorrow it might cause significant decay that requires painful and expensive root canals. While the combination of soda and your teeth is not the only source for dental problems, it is a major one. It’s never too late, or too soon, to build habits that keep your teeth healthy for the long term.
Better Options to Soda
While soda is one of the worst drinks for dental health, it’s not the only one to consume in moderation. Sugar-laden drinks such as certain juices can also lead to problems with decay and worse. The American Dental Association says that eliminating sugary drinks from your diet would be best. But they admit that it’s not realistic. The key, as with anything, is moderation. The ADA lists some healthier alternatives, including:
Water
Unsweetened tea
Milk
Plain sparkling water
Diluted juice
Drinking water has the added benefit of including fluoride, which can help strengthen your teeth and fight back against the acids that can cause havoc in your mouth. Soda and your teeth do not go together very well, but there are ways to build healthier habits.
Importance of Regular Care
The core of a healthy dental regimen consists of two main elements. No doubt you’ve heard it before — from your mother, from your dentist, maybe even on television.The first part of long-term health consists of preventive measures you take yourself, day-in, and day-out. Brush two or three times a day, and floss regularly. Brushing helps clear away the acids that linger on your teeth; flossing helps you chase particles that get stuck in the nooks and crannies of your mouth.The other element: Consistent visits to the dentist. Don’t go only when you have a problem. By seeing your dentist regularly, you can keep on top of problems before they happen. Your dentist will take a set of baseline X-rays that will point to possible changes. But he or she will also get to know your mouth and be able to spot danger zones quickly.Regular visits will include appointments with a dental hygienist for regular cleanings, which can also help remove the acids created by the combination of soda and your teeth.
Restorative Options
Soda and sugary drinks surround us; soda and your teeth are a bad combination. If you’re already experiencing significant decay, you might be a candidate for restorative dentistry. Learn more about dental crowns in Tennessee, or, if the situation warrants, dental bridges in Tennessee. You can also explore the subject with a dentist closer to home. Crowns and bridges help you recover when you’ve lost part or all of a tooth to decay.
