Your Smile’s Worst Enemy: Soda!

Do you drink soda every day? If so, you may be setting yourself up for tooth decay similar to that experienced by people addicted to illicit drugs!

One study by the Academy of General Dentistry found that people who drank 2 liters of carbonated soda per day exhibited the same signs of dental erosion as those addicted to illicit drugs like crack cocaine and methamphetamines.

Acid + Sugar = Tooth Decay!

Soda contains three acids: phosphoric, citric and carbonic acid. Acids decrease the pH of your saliva, softening your tooth enamel and leaving your teeth extremely vulnerable to decay. If you sip on soda throughout the day, the enamel will gradually wear away, and your teeth will become sensitive, discolored. Eventually, the acid erodes teeth and tooth decay sets in.Recent studies show that soda isn’t the only tooth decay culprit: sports drinks and energy drinks can be even more acidic, causing more erosion to tooth enamel.

How does Sugar affect Tooth Decay?

The study included only diet soda, which does not contain sugar. When you drink regular soda that does contain sugar, you make your teeth even more vulnerable. The sugar and bacteria in your mouth combine to form a harsh acid that eats away at the enamel of your teeth. Once the acid forms a hole in your enamel, the bacteria hides out there, decaying your tooth.Many foods have natural sugars in them, such as fruit. It’s important to know that both natural and processed sugars can cause tooth decay. If you indulge in something sugary or acidic, rinse your mouth out with water and wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to cleanse the enamel.

Have a Cavity in Albuquerque, NM?

If you have a cavity, tooth decay or gum disease, the longer you wait to fix the problem, the worse the problem will get. Even if you think your teeth are beyond repair, Dr. Roderick Garcia, DMD, can help you restore your smile with fillings, crowns, veneers, dentures, dental implants and a number of other cosmetic and restorative dental options.Set up your exam, cleaning and x-ray by calling our Albuquerque dentist at 505-369-2673. Throughout the month of November, new patients receive two FREE whitening trays at their first appointment!

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