Dentist in Chesapeake VA

Are Your Drinks Attacking Your Teeth?

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Cosmetic Dentist Chesapeake

Chesapeake Restorative DentistIf carbonated soft drinks or energy drinks are part of your normal daily routine, you may be causing serious damage to your teeth. Recent studies have found soft drinks and energy drinks to be among the most potent dietary causes of tooth decay. Soft drinks and energy drinks have also been implicated in increases of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Before you shop for beverages this week, consider a few things you should know about soft drinks and other energy drinks.

Most soft drinks and energy drinks contain substantial amounts of sugars, which interact with the bacteria in your mouth. This interaction produces a form of acid that can damage your teeth for about 20 minutes. Each time you take a drink, you reset that time window. If you consume throughout the day, you are essentially bathing your teeth in ACID AND SUGAR for hours.

Most soft drinks and energy drinks contain acids, as well. Even sugar-free varieties contain acids that can weaken the enamel on your teeth. Colas and citrus-flavored soft drinks/energy drinks tend to have the highest levels of acid. Remember back to Chemistry class and pH levels range on a scale of 1-14, with a pH of 7 is neutral. Battery acid has a pH of 1, and stomach acid has a pH of 2. Some common juices, beverages including lime juice, lemon juice, Sunny delight, Gatorade Clear, Cherry Coke, Capri Sun, Powerade, Mellow Yellow have a pH ranging from 2-2.8, which means that all of these drinks are almost as acidic as Stomach acid! Over time, this weakening of tooth enamel has a cumulative effect. This can lead to decay and even tooth loss if not addressed in early stages.

Obviously, the best solution is to stop consuming carbonated soft drinks. However, it can be a difficult habit to break. Dr. Tanya Brown and her team have developed some tips to help reduce your risks of tooth damage from these beverages:

  • Drink in moderation. Too much sugar and acid will eventually cause damage.
  • Try sparkling water. This provides the fizzy sensation without all the sugar and acid.
  • Drink more water. You will crave soft drinks less when you are fully hydrated.
  • Don’t sip on beverages all day long. The longer you spend drinking, the more time sugars and acids are reacting with your teeth.
  • Use a straw. This can help keep the sugars and acids away from your teeth.
  • Rinse with water after drinking to dilute acids and sugars.
  • Don’t brush immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes for acids to be neutralized by saliva before brushing.
  • Practice good dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings and exams with Dr. Tanya Brown & her team.

Carbonated soft drinks can be harmful to your oral and overall health. Be mindful of how often you consume them and consider reducing or stopping your use of these dangerous beverages.

For more oral health tips or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Tanya Brown at 757-546-5262. You can go to our website for more tips on oral hygiene at https://tccrd.com/dental-hygiene/

We want to keep you smiling!