There are numerous factors as to why our pearly white teeth change their shape, color and even texture. What we consume every day is one of the top factors that we must consider. The kind of foods we eat and the drinks that we intake leave different reactions. As we all know, water is therapy, yet most individuals nowadays- minors and even children, tend to choose sugary drinking beverages, specifically soda, rather than water. Is this because they are not aware of its side effects? Or do they just neglect the fact and don’t want to bother about the limitations?
What is Soda?
Based on an online article by Wilkinson Dental, people call sugary, carbonated soft drinks different things across the United States. Places located in the West and East uses the term soda. On the other side, people in the South refer to drinks like coke or cola. Other names include carbo, soda water, ad even sodie. These details simply mean that almost all people know about this drink.
Why Drinking Soda is harmful to your teeth?
Sipping sugary liquids are the leading cause of dental problems. Why? It is because these drinks contain acid that attacks the teeth. Alongside its popularity are the increasing numbers of people who experience tooth decay.
Moreover, there are two concerns that you need to know:
- If you are thinking of switching from dark soda to light soda, such as Sprite or Mountain Dew, then you got it all wrong. Although it has less damage, it is still unsafe for your teeth. It still contains acid that harms your teeth. And aside from the acid, it has flavour additives in its ingredients.
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Drinking dietary soda also ruins your teeth. According to Healthline, although diet soda has no calories, sugar, or fat, it has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease in several studies. Furthermore, it says that research has found that just one serving of an artificially sweetened drink per day is associated with an 8-13% higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Negative Effects of Soda
- Leaves stain
Since soda is very acidic, it surely leaves stains on your teeth. It is composed of chromogen, which makes the drinking dark in color.
- Tooth Discoloration
Because of the stains that soda leaves on your teeth, discolouration of teeth would be the result. Your smile will be affected too. The white set of teeth that you have before will fade and eventually disappear if you continue drinking soda.
Nevertheless, whitening treatments could help you maintain the whiteness of your teeth. The product My Smile Bestselling Teeth WhiteninG Bundle is made for a stain eraser. It helps to remove stains safely and efficiently from coffee, wine, soda, tea, smoking and more. Aside from this, results are visible even with just one treatment. It is also best to use for those who have sensitive teeth. (But take note that this is not a reason for you to keep drinking soda.)
- Tooth Sensitivity
Sugary/acidic beverages are one of the examples of why tooth sensitivity is triggered. If you do not want to suffer from pain and lose the brightness of your teeth, you might as well avoid too much consumption of soda.
- Weakens Tooth Enamel
All teeth contain bacteria, but you gain more acids when you keep on drinking soda. One popular chemical that is found in soda is phosphoric acid. These acids would destroy your teeth and may result in erosion. And erosion will become a reason to have more bacteria in your teeth.
- Tooth Decay
Tooth Decay would be your endpoint. Having little to no care for your teeth could be dangerous, especially if you keep drinking and drinking sweetened drinks. Constant acid and harmful reactions to your teeth would build up plaque. Your teeth will be rotten after, and other issues will also arise.
Apart from the oral health problems, individuals may also develop or have cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure and weight gain. Too much soda consumption does not only affect your smile; it affects your whole being, which is a serious issue to take.
Ways to prevent Dental Problems
- Drink more water
Water will always be of great help. Drink plenty of it instead of sodas.
- Limit your intake of sugary drinks
If you cannot stop and avoid consuming soda and other sugary drinks, just make sure that you do not go beyond your limits. Be mindful of the times and the amount of sip/glass you consume.
- Do not brush your teeth directly.
According to Healthline, brushing directly after having a soda is not recommended. The friction against the vulnerable and recently acid-attacked teeth can do more harm than good. Instead, one must wait 30-60 minutes first.
- Use a straw when drinking.
Through straw, the soda will at least not be directed to your teeth.
- Always check the nutrition facts of your drinks.
This is one of the most common mistakes. Everyone must practice checking the nutrition facts beforehand to know if the drinks are appropriate or not. Adults must guide children.
- Consult your dentist
Visit your dentist regularly to have check-ups and ensure that you have nothing to worry about your teeth.
What’s your favourite soda? Coca Cola, Pepsi or Dr Pepper, to name a few. No matter what kind of soda drink you prefer, keep in mind how this affects teeth structure over time as well as what other factors may be at play when picking between these drinks such as taste preference or calorie count differences among other things which could lead someone down an unhealthy path if not careful enough!
