Who doesn’t like a cold soda on a hot day in Fontana? Well, that can of soda or a bottle of an energy drink can do a tremendous amount of damage to your teeth if you consume them on a regular basis.
What can soda and energy drinks do to my teeth?
Not only do soft drinks and energy drinks contain sugar which is metabolized by bacteria in the mouth into erosive acids, but also they may contain direct acids. These acids are detrimental to the tooth enamel, the outer layer of the tooth, and actually break it down causing cavities. The obvious solution to this is to stop drinking sodas and energy drinks.
What if I don’t want to give up soda and energy drinks?
If you don’t want to give them up, drink them in moderation, drink them quickly and don’t swish with them. Using a straw will help reduce the damage of these drinks and rinsing with water immediately after drinking them is a good idea. Another helpful hint is to chew sugarless gum after having sodas or energy drinks. Chewing sugarless gum stimulates saliva production which serves to wash away the harmful acids and protect your teeth.
More helpful tips
Don’t brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after drinking soda; the acid weakens the enamel and brushing too soon can cause further damage, according to a German study reported in the September 2003 issue of “The Journal of the American Dental Association.” Also, avoid energy drinks and sodas at bedtime. Your mouth tends to get dry during sleep and the effectiveness of saliva to wash the harmful sugars and acids away from teeth is reduced. Call our Fontana, CA dental practice to schedule a dental cleaning today.
