Do you love drinking soda and wonder what your Santa Rosa dentist has to say about this habit? For decades, health officials have warned the general public about the dangers of consuming sodas. Dentists have also been warning their patients about the negative impact soda consumption can have on their oral health, but for the most part, the warnings have fallen on deaf ears.
According to the American Dental Association, soda consumption is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, and regular consumption can eventually lead to tooth loss.
The two main dental side effects that occur as a result of drinking soda are erosion and cavities.
When you drink soda, the sugars in the drink and the bacteria in your mouth combine to form acids which attack your enamel and erode it, weakening your teeth. Over time, these acids continue to wear down your enamel, leading to damage to the surface of the tooth, which become holes known as cavities.
If you do not practice good oral hygiene and the tooth decay spreads, you could eventually lose the tooth, which is why you should see your Santa Rosa dentist at least twice a year.
No. Diet sodas also contain acids that can wear down your enamel and cause tooth decay. Every time you take a sip of soda, the acids attack your teeth for about 20 minutes and start over again when you take another sip, which means your teeth are constantly under attack if you consume a lot of soda.
According to your Santa Rosa dentist, the best way to protect your teeth from damage is to give up soda — which is easier said than done for most people. If you have a hard time giving up soda, there are a few things you can do to protect your teeth, including:
If giving up soda is difficult, you can try to wean yourself off the sugary drink by consuming it moderately. If you are used to drinking four cans of soda a day, try reducing the number to one a day
Using straws to drink your soda reduces your teeth’s contact with the sugar, limiting the damaging effects
Since the acids attack your teeth for 20 minutes after each sip, there is no point in taking your time when you are drinking soda. Try to finish the drink as quickly as possible to reduce the damage the sugar and acid do to your teeth
Rinsing your mouth with water after drinking soda helps to get rid of the sugars and acids left in your mouth
Drinking soda is bad for your oral health because it can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. If you still drink soda and want to stop, talk to your Santa Rosa dentist today to find out what your best options are.
Request an appointment here: http://www.kennethbauerdds.com or call Kenneth J Bauer DDS at (707) 691-5250 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A dental crown is a restoration that completely covers a tooth above the gumline. It is often used to protect or restore a damaged or decayed tooth. A crown can also help to address a variety of other issues. Read on to find out more about how a dental crown can protect your tooth.Dental crowns…
Cosmetic dental care services aim to improve a person’s appearance and confidence by fixing aesthetic issues with the teeth and gums. However, cosmetic dentistry is not an officially recognized field in dentistry, so any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist or perform cosmetic treatments. Therefore, finding someone with additional education and experience regarding cosmetic…
Dental veneers are ideal for those who want to transform their smile. They can cover flaws on the teeth and make them more cosmetically appealing. A veneer is a thin shell made from either composite or porcelain material and placed over the tooth to change its color, shape, or size.For patients thinking of getting dental…
Some people may not realize how improper oral care can have a negative impact on their overall health. Untreated tooth decay does not heal without treatment and usually worsens over time. When those with multiple cavities ignore their dental needs, they may be putting themselves at risk for a variety of other medical problems, some…
A dental crown is a restoration that completely covers a tooth above the gumline. It is often used to protect or restore a damaged or decayed tooth. A crown can also help to address a variety of other issues. Read on to find out more about how a dental crown can protect your tooth.Dental crowns…
Cosmetic dental care services aim to improve a person’s appearance and confidence by fixing aesthetic issues with the teeth and gums. However, cosmetic dentistry is not an officially recognized field in dentistry, so any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist or perform cosmetic treatments. Therefore, finding someone with additional education and experience regarding cosmetic…