The Dentist Chair: Why Soda Is Bad News

Any dentist in America (as long as they aren’t paid to endorse Pepsi or Coke) will tell you that healthy teeth and soda don’t mix well. While this has been true since the sugary drinks hit the market, they are more popular than ever. Even the sugar free diet sodas, while much less problematic than their full sugar compatriots, can pose problems when it comes to healthy teeth. The sugar and acids in these drinks cause the enamel to wear away and it can lead to cavities and even total tooth decay. Keeping up with a regular brushing regimen can fight the effects, but most dental health experts agree: for best results, keep your consumption limited.

In news that comes as a discouragement to not only many a dentist, but obesity doctors as well, Americans are drinking more soda today than ever before. This is particularly true among children, those most susceptible to the marketing and pressure of their peers. Soda machines can be found in schools across the country, although health groups have recently begun a charge to reverse this trend. Compounding the problem are fast food restaurants, which are also popular among children and teenagers. Along with the food of questionable nutritional value, these meals are served with drinks that are far larger than they were twenty years ago. 

Whether you’re looking out for your children or for yourself, changing your eating and drinking habits will have a positive effect on health, both oral and otherwise. To avoid trips to the dentist that consist of more than a checkup and a cleaning, here are some things you can do. First of all, find something else to drink besides sugary soda. If necessary, trade in diet soda, although the acid contained in some of these drinks still presents a threat to your teeth. Better to look for fluids such as water and milk. Fruit juice is a good substitute in moderation, but be careful to look for only 100% concoctions, and keep even your consumption of that limited to a glass or so a day.

Another thing you can do is increase your brushing frequency. For many people, the idea of brushing after every meal went out the door sometime in the last decade or so. This is unfortunate, as it was one habit that was keeping cavity formation to a minimum. But you should also think about brushing after you consume a soda, removing the sugars and acids before they have a chance to sink into your teeth. If you can’t be bothered with brushing, try simply rinsing your mouth out with mouthwash or water. Any little bit helps.