Save your Teeth! Advise from the Dentist Regarding Sodas & Sugary DrinksImportant reasons to not drink soda, juice, sports drinks, energy drinks and other sugary beverages: Most soft drinks contain sugar and caffeine, which can SPEED UP dehydration and can cause dry mouth. Why is dry mouth a big deal for your teeth and oral health? Dry mouth can lead to severe tooth decay and gum disease, over time. In fact, 30 % of all tooth decay in older adults is caused by dry mouth, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Acid. When you drink soda, the sugars it contains 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 & 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. While sports drinks and fruit juices can also damage enamel, they stop there. Soft drinks, on the other hand, can also affect the next layer, dentin, and even composite fillings. This damage to your tooth enamel can invite cavities. Cavities can develop over time in people who drink soft drinks regularly. |