Soda is one of the leading causes of tooth decay in the United States. The average American consumes roughly 50 gallons of soda per year, three times the average amount consumed in 1970. Due to the rising trend in soda intake among both adolescents and adults, your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Foust, would like to explore the threat that soda poses to your oral health, and steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage.
The Scoop on Sodas
Sodas contain large amounts of sugar and acid; in fact, sodas are more acidic than battery acid, states Academy of General Dentistry (ADG) spokesperson Kenton Ross, DMD, FAGD. The acidic nature of soda, combined with the sugar it contains, makes this beverage very dangerous to the health of your teeth. Both the acid and the sugar soften tooth enamel and promote bacteria growth, which ultimately leads to the development of tooth decay. Acid also causes erosion of tooth enamel, which can lead to irreversible damage to tooth structure and heightened sensitivity to hot and cold substances. Completely avoiding sodas would be the best option for your oral health; however, we realize that not everyone is going to adhere to this advice. The following tips can help reduce your risk of decay and erosion when reaching for a bubbly drink of soda:
- According to a study in the March/April 2007 issue of General Dentistry, the AGD’s clinical, peer-reviewed journal, root beer products are not carbonated and do not contain the acids that harm teeth. Reach for a creamy root beer to get your soda fix.
- Properly positioning a straw that is pointed at the back of your mouth will reduce the risk of tooth decay by keeping soda away from your teeth. Recent research suggests that, while drinking soda through a straw, certain factors can affect the type, location, and severity of cavities. This includes the position of the straw and the amount of time the liquid is left in the mouth before swallowing.
- After you drink a soda, wash your mouth out with water to get rid of any remaining acids left behind.
- Strengthen tooth enamel and reduce cavities by using fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Contact Us for an Appointment
In order to properly maintain good oral hygiene, always brush twice daily, floss daily, and attend your six-month dental checkups. Contact Dental Impressions of Ankeny at 515-965-0230 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Polk City, Bondurant, Elkhart, and Alleman.
