When it comes to protecting your tooth enamel, you might assume that limiting your consumption of candy, cookies, and other sweets is the only change you need to make to your diet. What you may not realize is that certain beverages can be just as harmful. You may wonder about the effects of soda on your teeth, and which is worse, the diet or the regular kind. Read on to discover how impactful some of your favorite sodas can be and what you should do to ensure the health of your smile.
What Happens to Teeth When Exposed to Sugar & Sugar-Free Beverages?
The outer layer of teeth is known as the enamel. When exposed to sugary drinks, bacteria begin to grow, causing cavities and decay. When consuming sugar-free beverages, your teeth will experience what is known as dental erosion. This means the enamel is stripped away, resulting in a thinner layer of protection between bacteria and the innermost portions of teeth, which are highly sensitive.
This explanation answers the question as to whether regular or diet soda is worse for your teeth. Neither should be considered healthy or “better” for your smile. Instead, they should be significantly limited to avoid a breakdown in tooth enamel.
What is the Better Alternative to Soda Drinks?
If you listen to your dentist talk about healthy ways to improve your diet and smile, you’ll hear water mentioned countless times. The reason is that it not only keeps you hydrated but also produces greater saliva production – a priceless benefit because of its ability to prevent dry mouth, neutralize acids, and flush out harmful bacteria that may try to adhere to tooth enamel.
What Are Other Ways to Protect Your Smile?
Although it might be best to avoid sugary beverages altogether, it’s unlikely that you’ll give them up completely. Should you choose to enjoy one now and then, make sure to take the following precautions to keep your pearly whites safe:
- Use a straw to minimize how much of the liquid touches your teeth.
- Consume these beverages at mealtimes so that your salivary glands neutralize the acids and flush out harmful bacteria.
- Adopt a good oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing before going to bed.
- Wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth after consuming a sugary beverage, as this will ensure the pH levels in your mouth do not cause harmful particles to spread.
If soda is something you drink daily, consider cutting back on the number of glasses you have. By switching these out with water, you will notice a positive effect on your smile, especially after seeing your dentist and receiving an encouraging report.
About the McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice
Our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice encourages and promotes preventive dental care. Designed to mitigate oral health problems before they start, we also devote much time to patient education, giving individuals helpful tips to reduce their chances of dental decay and cavities. If you are looking to make changes to your diet so that your smile no longer suffers, call our office or visit our website to find out how we can help.