Good day everyone! Hope everyone is excited for another summer in the mountains. With summer comes heat, and with heat, comes the increased consumption of carbonated and sugary drinks. When we are thirsty, over 50% of us reach for a cold soda. Regularly drinking these tempting cold treats is correlated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and weight gain. These choices can also affect a white smile by potentially causing tooth decay.
Erosion and Cavities (two problems that affect your smile)
When we drink soda, no matter if it is sugar or sugar free, the acid in the soda reacts with the bacteria in the mouth to form a compound that erodes your teeth. With every swig of soda you take, it starts a 20 minute war on your smile. So, if you sip on soda all day, the attack is never ending. Erosion starts when acid effects the hardness of the outer protective layer of the teeth called the enamel. Sports drinks and juice also cause erosion, but the damage stops there.
Soft drinks on the other hand, can effect the next layer of the tooth called the dentin. Over time and prolonged consumption, it can cause decay and dental cavities.
Prevention
The obvious (and best!) prevention is to stop drinking these types of drinks, but that is usually not attainable for most of us. So, below is a list of preventative measures to take:
Moderation -Make sure to control your consumption of these types of drinks and substitute in some good ole’ water.
Drink Faster –When you chose these drinks, make sure to drink them fast in order to lessen the time that they have to form acid in your mouth.
Use a straw –Use a straw in order to keep the acid off of your teeth.
Rinse your mouth –Make sure to rinse your mouth with water once you have had a soft drink.
Wait before brushing your teeth -Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes to brush your teeth after a soft drink. The friction brushing initiates against the teeth can cause problems because acid has already attacked your teeth.
No soft drinks before bed -Make sure not to drink soft drinks at the end of the day (just before bedtime) so that the acid doesn’t have all night to attack your teeth.
Regular Dental Health -Make sure to go to see your Dental Hygienist on a regular basis to keep up good oral health.
Soft drinks are not a healthy choice but they are a popular one. When having those summer drinks, do it in moderation and preserve your dental health!
Braeside Dental Centre
