It’s no secret there exists a strong link between soda consumption and tooth decay. Heavy soda consumption has also been linked to other health complications including diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.
When you drink soda, the sugars within interact with bacteria in your mouth to form acid. This acid attacks your teeth. Both regular and sugar-free sodas also contain their own acids, and these attack the teeth too. With each swig of soda, you’re starting a damaging reaction that lasts for about 20 minutes. If you sip all day, your teeth are under constant attack.
EROSION AND CAVITIES
There are two main dental effects of drinking soda: erosion and cavities.
Erosion begins when the acids in soft drinks encounter the tooth enamel, which is the outermost protective layer on your teeth. Their effect is to reduce the surface hardness of the enamel.
DO
- Drink soda in moderation (no more than one 12 oz can a day)
- Use a straw to keep the sugar away from your teeth
- Swish your mouth out with water after drinking to dilute the acid and sugar if brushing your teeth is not possible.
- Drink plenty of water (8 glasses a day)
DON’T
- Sip for extended periods of time
- Drink soda shortly before bedtime
- Brush after meals – wait at least an hour after your last drink or meal before brushing
- Substitute soft drinks, sports drinks or fruit juice for a meal.
However, measures can be taken to prevent and reduce tooth decay. The conclusions of a recent study support contemporary daily dietary guidelines for children that include:
- Consuming two or more servings of dairy foods
- Limiting the intake of 100 percent juice to four to six ounces
- Restricting other sugared beverages to occasional use
This doesn’t mean a person should never drink soda. In fact, drinking it in moderation may represent no harm at all. However, substituting sugary, acidic carbonated beverages for water or intake of caloric food could be problematic in the long run.