What Does Soda Do to Your Teeth, and What Can You Do About It?

May is National Dental Care Awareness month. One of the most important things you can do to care for your teeth is to make healthy choices about food and drink. When you choose to drink milk or water, you strengthen your teeth, balance your oral pH values, and protect yourself from damage in decay. When you drink soda, you’re setting yourself up for future dental work.

How Soda (and other high sugar drinks) harms your teeth

There are bacteria that live in your mouth all of the time. Some of your oral bacteria are benign, but some are dangerous. The sugar in soda feeds these damaging bacteria. When the bacteria consume the sugar, they produce acid. This acid softens the hard, outer layer of your teeth and starts eating away at it.

As the acid eats away at the tooth’s hard, protective surface, it reveals the soft inner layer. Other bacteria move in and infect your tooth. This cycle of sugar and acid can do major damage to your mouth over time. It’s not just soda. Other sugary drinks like sports drinks, sweet tea, or juice can start the same cycle.

Sugar-free soda is still acidic, even though it doesn’t feed the bacteria, so it will also eat away at your teeth. Once your teeth have sustained this kind of damage, you’re looking at a lot of dental work. It’s better to avoid the issue.

Is there a way to enjoy soft drinks without permanent tooth damage?

Everyone needs a treat sometimes. Here are some ways you can enjoy soft drinks without tooth damage

Make sugary drinks a sometimes treat instead of a regular part of your routine.
To help wean yourself off them, try flavored waters or soda water.
After you drink a sugary drink, rinse out your mouth with water.
Do not brush immediately after drinking a soda – you can damage your softened enamel
Make sure to keep up with your daily oral care routine. Brush and floss every morning and night!
Visit Dr. You and Lumos dental twice a year for your oral care appointments.
What if I’ve already damaged my teeth?

If your teeth have been damaged by a soft drink habit, don’t despair! Dr. You is kind, compassionate, and ready to help you heal your teeth and gums. Call Lumos dental, and we can restore your mouth to health. Our whole team is here to cheer you on and support you in your oral health journey.

By Lumos Dental - New Haven

May 27, 2021