The Sugar and The Acid In Soft Drinks
Love Coke or Diet Coke? Did you know that Coke contains 9 teaspoons of sugar? With this amount of energy from a can or bottle of this famous soft drink, no wonder it’s addictive. Indulging in high-sugar soft drinks is mostly associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. But it’s not only that. Sodas can also have negative effects on your teeth, potentially leading to cavities and tooth decay.
Soda’s high sugar content get into nooks and tight spaces in the grooves, sides and hard to brush areas of teeth, including under the gums. In a matter of hours, bacterial colonization turn them into plaque. Decay can set in and cavities formed. Dental erosion is another type of decay that results from acidic liquids contacting your teeth. Sodas, like Coke and Diet Coke, have levels of phosphoric acid that can bathe the entire tooth structure and erode or thin away enamel. This can lead to sensitivity, pain, or cracking of the enamel. Did you know that this is the same phosphoric acid used in industrial cleaners?
Did you know also that Coca Cola’s deep brown color is actually a dye? It’s caramel dye that actually does not add any flavor to the soda but can contribute to staining of the teeth. The teeth becomes yellow, and the more yellow it becomes, the weaker is the enamel. Your teeth looks unhealthy, and that can affect your smile and your confidence.
The best way to keep from damaging your teeth is to do away with soft drinks or soda completely, or reduce your intake. If you must, choose the ones that are less acidic, like Sprite or Diet Coke. Or else, use a straw that limits the contact of the drink with your teeth. Take water after you’ve had soft drinks.
Avoid drinking soft drinks before going to bed for you are letting sugar and acid stay in contact with your teeth overnight. Remember, after taking soda, don’t brush your teeth immediately. Your enamel has just been exposed to cola’s acidic content and brushing right away will only erode your teeth much quicker. Gargle with water first, rinsing off any remaining sugar and acid clinging to tooth surfaces, your tongue, gums and other structures. After a while, you can brush.
Know What’s Good and Bad for Teeth
The next time you reach out for a can of soda, think again. Your Bellingham dentist recommends wise choices for food and drinks to keep your dentition in better condition much longer.