How Drinking Excessive Soda Can Damage the Teeth

Many people enjoy a can of soda every now and then. But if you drink soda every day, even as little as one can per day, it can have serious consequences for the health of your teeth.

It is no surprise that the sugar contained in soda is harmful to your teeth. But there is another ingredient in sodas that is even worse. Soda contains citric and/or phosphoric acids, which erodes the enamel on your teeth. As the acid softens the tooth enamel, it leaves the tooth more prone to developing cavities. When combined with other harmful habits, such as teeth grinding or inadequate brushing, these effects can lead to severe tooth decay and tooth loss.

If you think you are being “healthy” by drinking diet soda, think again. Diet sodas are actually more acidic than the non-diet varieties. Furthermore, if you drink diet soda to avoid the sugar, this is not a protection either. Diet Coke, for instance, contains aspartame, which, combined with the caffeine, gives you a brief addictive high similar to cocaine, causing you to crave even more Diet Coke.

If you drink a lot of soda, the smartest course of action is to quit. But short of that, practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Visit your dentist at least every six months for a professional cleaning and an oral exam. If you do develop a cavity, these visits will allow your dentist to catch it early and perform dental restoration to save the tooth.