Soda. It’s one of the most consumed beverages in the United States and in other parts of the world. Teens are one of the larger populations who flock to drinking it. It can be quite tasty, yes, and it can really hit the spot on a scorching hot day.
It’s also hitting a lot of negative aspects of people’s lives. People who drink regular cola often are also imbibing a lot of extra calories – and couple that with a lifestyle that is steadily becoming sedentary – and people are getting much heavier.
Soda drinkers don’t have to just worry about their waistlines. Diabetes can be a real concern. Also, they have to think about what they are doing to their teeth.
Here are some things that soda can do to one’s oral health.
Acid Attacks the Enamel
When soda is mentioned, it’s the regular kind, not the sugar-free diet soda. While this diet soda can also have effects on people’s teeth, it’s the regular kind with sugar that can wreak the most havoc in one’s mouth.
As soon as one takes a gulp of soda, they begin a chain reaction with their saliva that causes acids to start hitting the enamel. It’s not something that quickly goes away. One swallow sets off a 20-minute attack. People often drink soda all day – so they are putting their teeth under siege that whole time.
The Acid Can Do Two Types of Damage
The first thing it does is wear down the first layer of defense – the enamel. If it’s left unchecked, it can then attack the next level – the dentin. This leads to cavities… and not even fillings that are already in place are safe.
How to Treat the Acid Attack
One might think that grabbing a toothbrush and immediately brushing after drinking the soda is a good idea. Not so. The problem is that the soda leaves the teeth sensitive and brushing them right afterward can wind up having them become irritated and even scratched. Instead, one should rinse their mouth out with water and then brush a bit later on.
Soda is a very tempting beverage. There’s no question about that. It can be very hard for people to give up. They may not have to – instead they can drink it in moderation. Kids can drink a cup of water in between and drinking it with a straw can also minimize the amount of contact with teeth.
Dr. Shaista Najmi and her staff at Ivory Dental Jacksonville are well-versed at helping people maintain their oral health, whatever beverages they drink. They work extensively with families. Give them a call at 904-998-1555.