Who doesn’t like soda? It can be hard to resist that fizzy and sugary taste. In 2018, according to a survey on soda consumption in Canada, approximately 16% of the population say that they consume soda every day while about 40% say they drink soda a few times per month.
Unfortunately, as the saying goes, “Too much of a good thing is bad” — and soda (or soft drinks, if you prefer) is no exception.
Drinking too much soda can cause health problems like diabetes and heart disease. But did you know that soda is also bad for your teeth? It doesn’t matter whether you’re drinking the “diet” variety or the regular one, the effects on your teeth are the same.
How Bad Is Soda for Your Teeth?
How bad is soda for your teeth? Extremely bad. Soda and the health of your teeth are ill-matched.
The mouth is a breeding ground for various harmful bacteria which feed on the sugars you consume. They turn it into energy and produce acid in the process, causing irreparable damage.
But how exactly do sugary drinks and soda affect your teeth?
- Enamel Erosion – Did you know that tooth enamel is stronger than our bones? However, even the hardest mineral in the human body is no match for phosphoric acid. This chemical is found in both metal polish and, yes, even soda. Erosion occurs when the acids in soda come into contact with the tooth enamel. The acid eats away at this protective layer, making your teeth more vulnerable to bacteria and further erosion.
- Tooth Sensitivity – When the acid has worn away the enamel, it then affects the inner layer, the dentin. The dentin contains microscopic tubules that lead to the dental pulp where the nerves are located. When these tubules are exposed, your teeth become more vulnerable to hot and cold food and beverages.
- Teeth Stains – The dentin has a yellowish colour. When it’s exposed, your teeth will reflect its colour. Moreover, the acid and the sugar themselves contribute to tooth discolouration.
- Cavities – According to recent studies carried out by the World Health Organization, an increase in sugar consumption equates to an increase in the number of cavities. Without its hard, protective layer, your teeth become susceptible to dental issues, like cavities. Additionally, bacteria thrive on sugar. Frequent sugar consumption promotes bacteria buildup on your teeth called plaque, which can further damage the teeth and lead to tooth decay.
How to Protect Your Teeth From Damage
Because the intake of soda and other sugary drinks can be exceptionally harmful to teeth, the best thing to do is to avoid drinking them altogether and stick to drinking plain water. However, we also understand that it’s not the easiest thing to do. The next best thing is the following:
- Minimize Consumption of Soda and Other Sugary Drinks
A new guideline set by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the reduction of daily free sugar intake of adults and children to 5% (or approximately) 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day.
Quitting soda is the most effective way to protect your teeth from damage. Unfortunately, it’s also the most difficult thing to do for a lot of people. If it’s really hard to stop, then reducing your soda and sugar intake will help.
- Beware of Hidden Sugars
Fruits contain sugar, which means that they can still damage your teeth. Try to enjoy them in moderation.
- Use a Straw
If you are still working your way to reducing your consumption or just can’t resist the call of soda and other sugary drinks, it’s best to use a straw when drinking. This way the liquid will go directly to your tongue and not your teeth. - Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing damage to your teeth. Use fluoride toothpaste while you’re at it. Fluoride protects the teeth which help remineralize teeth and fight off tooth decay.
However, do not brush your teeth immediately after drinking soda. Soda weakens your tooth enamel and makes it vulnerable to further damage. Wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth.
- Rinse Your Mouth
Always remember to rinse your mouth after you have consumed any sugary or dark-coloured drinks. This will wash away the acids and colouring, helping to prevent the staining of teeth. - Look for Soda Alternatives
Before you can say, “soda ruined my teeth,” you should run away from it as fast as you can and search for alternatives. These alternatives quench thirst just as well as soda does — maybe even better! — without harming your teeth.
- Water (can be infused with slices of lemon, cucumber, or orange for flavour)
- Diluted juice
- Milk, low sugar milk, or unsweetened milk substitutes
- Sparkling water
- Unsweetened or light-coloured tea, like green tea
- Visit a Dentist Regularly
Visit your dentist twice a year, or as often as they say you should. Doing so gives your dentist the opportunity to identify dental problems early on and prevent further damage.
Water Is the Healthiest Option
Compared to soda and other sugary drinks, these alternatives are better choices and contain little to no sugar at all. So before you open that can of soda or take a sip at your chocolate smoothie, think of how sugary drinks can affect your teeth and ask yourself if it’s worth it.
Self-control and discipline is the key factor to starting a healthy lifestyle. If you want to smile with pearly white teeth that can beat the Mona Lisa’s, you know that you need to unfriend soda and sugary drinks.
If your teeth are damaged or if you have missing teeth, don’t be disheartened. Smiles Denture Care Centre offers teeth replacement services so you can regain your smile as well as your confidence. Give us a call at 519-457-2800 or send us a message to book an appointment. We value your smile and will gladly help you keep it.