3 Reasons Your Teeth Will Thank You for Giving Up Soda
Learn about the damage soda can do to teeth and how to correct it.
Proper oral care can cover a multitude of sins when it comes to your diet. But, you have to be extra vigilant in brushing and flossing promptly after indulging in order to best counteract the effects of foods and drinks that are bad for your teeth. Many people may find it easier to simply avoid these foods and drinks. Here are 3 reasons soda should be one of the first un-tooth-friendly foods you cut from your diet.
Soda Is Sugary
Regular soda is high in sugar, which is bad for your teeth because it provides food for the plaque bacteria that live on teeth. The more sugar these bacteria consume, the more acid they produce, which wears away tooth enamel and causes cavities.
While switching to diet soda does help reduce your sugar intake, many of the artificial sweeteners commonly found in diet sodas have been linked to serious health risks. For example, a number of studies have linked the artificial sweetener sucralose to increased risk of diabetes, and a women’s health survey found a link between diet soda consumption and increased risk of heart disease among older women.
Soda Is Acidic
Whether you are drinking diet or regular soda, you’re basically giving your teeth an acid bath. Just as the acids produced by plaque bacteria can erode you enamel, so can the acids found in sodas and other acidic foods and drinks. In addition to increasing your risk of cavities, you may also find that your teeth are becoming more sensitive due to your soda habit. As the enamel of the tooth erodes, stimuli from temperature and pressure start reaching the nerve of the tooth through tiny tubes in the exposed dentin.
Soda Can Stain
If you are drinking a dark soda such as a cola or a root beer, you may be contributing to the staining and discoloration of your teeth. Dark foods and beverages can adhere to the plaque film on the surface of your teeth, preventing your white teeth from showing through. Over time, the staining can work its way down into the structure of the tooth, at which point it cannot be removed by cleaning alone. Instead, you will need to get professional teeth whitening to improve the color of your teeth.
Ready to Give Up Soda?
Giving up soda is all well and good, but you also need to be sure that you repair the damage already done to your teeth as much as possible. Come to California Dental Group for a cleaning and exam, followed by a professional whitening treatment, to give your teeth a fresh start.
