If you are like many Americans, you will most likely take at least one sugary drink every day such as soda. Drinking soft drinks that have high sugar contents is commonly linked to type 2 diabetes, obesity, and weight gain. However, Beverly Hills dentists have discovered that soda can also have severe effects on your smile, and lead to tooth decay and cavities.
How can Soft Drinks Harm Your Teeth?
According to many dentists in Santa Monica, after you take soda, the sugars react with the bacteria found in your mouth and form acids that eventually attack your teeth. Sugar-free and regular sodas also have acids that can attack your teeth. With each sip of soda, you cause a damaging reaction that can last for more than 30 minutes. This means that if you sip soda all day your teeth are at a higher risk of attack.
Cavities and Erosion
The best dentist in Los Angeles has found that soda causes erosion and cavities. Erosion starts after the acids in the soda react with the enamel which is the hardest and protective cover of your teeth. These acids reduce the hardness of the enamel.
Soft drinks can also affect the dentin layer and composite fillings. The damage caused to your enamel can cause cavities. Cavities can develop quickly in people who consume soft drinks more regularly. The results can become disastrous, especially with poor oral hygiene. Unfortunately, young children are at a higher risk of suffering from the effects of drinking soda because their enamel isn’t fully developed.
How Can You Prevent Damage Caused by Drinking Soda?
Los Angeles Dentists advise people to stop drinking soda. However, very few people are able to kick this habit. Fortunately, there are other ways to lessen harm to your teeth. Firstly, drink soft drinks in moderation and ensure you don’t take more than one soft drink in a day. Secondly, drink your soda quickly. The longer you spend time taking your soda, the more time the soda will have to destroy your dental health. Thirdly, use a straw to keep the damaging acids from getting into contact with your teeth. Lastly, after drinking your soda, flush your mouth with clean water to wash away the acids and sugars remaining in your mouth.
After drinking your soda, ensure that you wait for some time before you brush your teeth. Brushing immediately will cause friction against your acid-attacked and vulnerable teeth which can do more. Bruce Vafa, DDS recommends that you wait for a period of 30 to 60 minutes. If you feel like your teeth have been affected by drinking too much soda or you have a question regarding soda and your dental health, schedule a free dental consultation at our Beverly Hills office.