How Sodas Can Harm Your Teeth

Soda is one of America’s most popular drinks. The average American guzzles about fifty gallons of the fizzy stuff every year. Even if every soda you drink is sugar-free, it could still be doing serious damage to your teeth. Every type of soda contains high levels of phosphoric acid, which erodes the enamel on your teeth. If your soda of choice contains sugar, the damage will be much worse. The sugar feeds oral bacteria, and the bacteria use it as fuel to produce more acid. Your mouth becomes a highly acidic zone in which the enamel is quickly eroded.

Every day, the enamel on your teeth loses some minerals. This is called demineralization, and ideally, it should be balanced with remineralization, a process in which minerals are deposited again through fluoride, saliva, and nutritional sources. Unfortunately, the remineralization process cannot offset the pace at which enamel is stripped from teeth by the massive amounts of acid contained in soda, and the teeth begin to erode. Acid erosion is a major cause of sensitivity, but it can also lead to tooth decay and other serious dental problems.

While less serious than hypersensitivity and tooth decay, stains are another common problem linked to soda consumption. The artificial and natural dyes in soda are easily absorbed into the enamel crystals, and the acid erosion can worsen the incidence and severity of staining.

There is no way to completely protect your teeth from the dangers of soda without completely eliminating it from your diet. Fluoridated water, low-fat milk, and diluted juices are good alternatives to soda. If you choose to indulge in an occasional soda, use a straw to bypass your teeth. As soon as you are done, rinse your mouth thoroughly using water to dilute the acids. Call our dentist today to learn more about protecting your teeth or to schedule your next appointment.