The standard American diet includes many beverages that aren’t so great for your teeth. For example, it’s no secret that sugary sodas are detrimental to your oral health. But what about diet sodas and sparkling water? Today, Dr. Helen Ragsdale and our laser dental center team in Austin, TX explores this topic and offers a few tips and tricks for protecting your smile.
If you suspect you have sustained dental damage due to carbonated drinks, contact your Austin Laser Dentist today at 512-346-4690. Dr. Ragsdale can design a personalized treatment plan to address your needs.
Two Reasons Why Soda is Harmful to Your Teeth
In simple terms, there are two ingredients in sodas that wreak havoc on your teeth: sugar and acid. As you know, sodas have an extremely high sugar content. The oral bacteria inside your mouth feed off of that sugar. This process creates acids, which can erode the enamel – the outer layer of the teeth. Couple that with citric and phosphoric acids – both of which are found in sodas – and you’ve created a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. This puts you at a much higher risk for tooth decay and dental erosion.
Is Diet Soda Any Better?
While it’s true that diet sodas have zero sugar, they still contain harmful acids. Therefore, we recommend steering clear of all sodas. If you must curb your craving, consume these beverages in moderation.
What About Sparkling Water?
There’s been a lot of buzz about sparkling water and its effects on teeth. You may suspect that, because of the carbonation, these drinks can also harm your enamel. However, recent research suggests that sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth. One study examined the effects of both regular water and sparkling water on extracted teeth (which were donated for research). The results? Even though sparkling water is slightly more acidic, it doesn’t result in erosion.
Tips for Keeping Cavities at Bay
Whether you indulge in the occasional soda or not, we’d like to offer a few helpful tips for reducing your risk of tooth decay and erosion:
- Drink plenty of regular water to stay hydrated. Preferably, choose a water source that is fluoridated to keep your enamel strong and healthy.
- Read the label. Before sipping on a beverage, be sure you know exactly what is in it. Some sparkling beverages have added flavors, such as citrus. This can increase the acidic content, which causes more damage to the teeth. If you drink these types of beverages, try to finish them with a meal or in one sitting. By doing so, you won’t be repeatedly exposing your teeth to the acid. Additionally, some sparkling beverages have added sugar, which instantly increases your risk for cavities.
- Swish with regular water after drinking sodas. This simple habit can help rinse away harmful sugars and acids, keeping your teeth healthier. (Contrary to popular belief, you should never brush immediately after consuming a sugary soda. The sugars left behind on the teeth can actually scrub away the protective enamel. As a result, we recommend waiting about 30 minutes before brushing.)
Contact Your Laser Dental Center Today
Want to learn more about the effects of carbonation on your teeth? Reach out to one of our team members for more information. If you live in the Austin, TX area and are currently searching for a new dentist, we invite you to schedule an appointment at our laser dental center. Contact us online or give us a call at 512-346-4690.
