You can benefit from reducing the number of soft drinks you consume as well as from proper dental care. Steps you can take:
- Substitute different beverages: choose beverages containing less sugar and acid than soda – these include water, milk, and real fruit juice (not 10% juice in a sugary mix).
- Moderation: consume sugary beverages in moderation, finish them quickly, and drink through a straw (which takes the liquid to the back of your mouth). One of the worst things you can do is sip a very sugary and acidic beverage all day.
- Rinse with water after consuming a soda: flush your mouth out with water to remove the acid left on the enamel of your teeth.
- Use toothpaste and a mouth rinse that contains flouride: fluoride tooth paste reduces cavities and strengthens tooth enamel. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash also helps.
- Get professionally applied fluoride treatment: your dentist can apply fluoride directly to your teeth. This is particularly important for Sherborn residents since the town uses private wells rather than a fluoridated public water supply.
Sodas are tough on your teeth. You don’t need to stop drinking all soft drinks but by reducing the amount you drink, practicing good oral hygiene, and seeking help from your dentist, you can largely counteract sodas effects and enjoy better dental health.