You probably know that sugar, and sugary beverages, in particular, pose a challenge for your teeth. But did you know that soda takes a bigger toll on your teeth than other sources of sugar?
At Nobel Dental in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles, California, we specialize in cosmetic and digital dentistry. Under the leadership of Dr. Abraham Nobel, we work with our new and existing patients to keep their teeth in the best possible condition.
Soda is among the lesser-known and most dangerous risks to your teeth. It’s a tempting treat on a cold day, goes great with pizza, and makes an excellent cocktail mixer, but when you know the facts about why soda is so bad for your teeth, you might opt for a different drink choice.
Sugar causes tooth decay, and even fruit juice contains enough sugar to challenge your dental health. While regular rinsing, brushing, and flossing can keep tooth decay under control, large amounts of sugar can overwhelm your hygiene efforts. If you’re consuming more sugar than your teeth can handle, you may need to limit your consumption of sugary drinks to protect your dental health.
Soda is worse for your dental health than other sugary drinks, and the reasons aren’t just about sugar — the acid in soda also plays a role. Here’s what you need to know.
Soda comes at your teeth with a double threat of sugar and acid. Acid is actually already involved in tooth decay related to sugar. Sugar creates a feast for bacteria in your mouth, and the bacteria create acids as they break down the sugar. Those acids eat away at your dental enamel, leading to tooth decay.
When you take a swig of soda, you bathe your teeth with sugar and carbonic acid, the source of the fizz, worsening the risk of tooth decay. Many sodas also contain phosphoric acid and citric acid as preservatives and flavor enhancers.
Dental erosion describes irreversible damage that occurs when the layer of protective dental enamel that naturally coats all of your teeth starts to wear thin. Soda and other acidic, sugary beverages immediately attack your dental enamel, leading to irreplaceable enamel loss.
After dental erosion, your teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and may appear yellow or darker.
Talk to Dr. Nobel and our team about the best strategies to protect your dental enamel for years to come. You can schedule a consultation appointment with our team online or over the phone today.
