Does Drinking Soda Ruin Your Teeth?

It is a known fact that soda consumption is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Sugary drinks, like soda, have also been linked to several health issues, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and obesity. However, if you like to drink an occasional soda now and then, doing it in moderation is not likely to cause any dental concerns. Read on to learn more from the dental team at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County and what State College, PA patients can do to reduce the risk of tooth decay and protect their smiles.

Is soda bad for your teeth?

Soda consumption has steadily increased throughout the past decades and is currently one of the leading causes of cavities for adults, and especially for children. When you drink soda, either sugar-free or regular, it combines with bacteria in the mouth, causing a harmful acid to form and attack your teeth. With every sip you take, you start this damaging reaction, which can cause cavities and tooth erosion. If you are a soda drinker, here are tips to reduce any potential harm:

• Drink in moderation and have only one per day
• Drink water in place of an extra soda
• Don't let sugar linger on your teeth
• If brushing is not possible, rinse your mouth with water after drinking a soda
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly

What is the effect of soda on teeth?

Can sugar ruin your teeth? The answer is yes. Good oral health is an essential part of enjoying a healthy lifestyle, which means limiting your consumption of sugary drinks and foods. In addition to having adverse effects on your weight and body, sugar is harmful to your teeth. The two main dental-related effects of soda consumption are erosion and cavities. Erosion begins when acids attach to tooth enamel, eventually breaking down the hardness of the structure. When the outermost protective layer is compromised, sugar can affect the next layer or dentin. Excessive soda consumption will damage tooth enamel and more, only increasing the risk of developing cavities.

Symptoms of a cavity

While cavities won't go away on their own, you can potentially stop further tooth decay and slow it down by limiting your soda consumption. However, you can't reverse any damage done and should contact one of our team members to schedule an appointment at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County. If cavities are left untreated, they only get larger and affect deeper layers of the tooth structure. The symptoms and signs of a cavity may vary, depending on the severity and location. In the beginning, you may notice no change or discomfort, but as tooth decay grows, you may experience the following:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Throbbing or toothache pain
• Mild or moderate sharp tooth pain when drinking or eating
• Visible pits or holes in your teeth
• Black, brown, or white staining on the tooth's surface

Keeping your smile healthy with a dentist in State College, PA

The best way to keep your gums and teeth healthy, and preserve your smile, is to have a solid at-home routine, limit soda consumption, and have routine dental cleanings every six months. At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County, we can provide other general dentistry services, like sealants and fluoride treatments, to help prevent cavities from forming, especially in younger State College, PA patients. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact one of our team members today.