Whether you’re a regular soda drinker or the kind of person who just has one on occasion, there’s one thing you know for certain: nothing goes better with pizza quite like a frosty mug of root beer. However, considering soda isn’t exactly packed full of vitamins and minerals, there are some healthier alternatives that you could be drinking. But what is soda doing to your teeth? Is it causing your teeth harm and decay? This article will discuss if soda is bad for your teeth and what you need to know.
Sugar Vs. Aspartame
The first thing to consider when analyzing whether or not soda is bad for your teeth is if you’re drinking regular or diet soda. Regular soda is packed full of sugar which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Whereas diet soda is filled with artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, which will not do anything to your teeth. If you are drinking regular soda, make sure that you brush your teeth directly afterward to get all of that extra sugar off.
Acid
Diet sodas are packed full of ingredients like citric acid, tartaric acid, and phosphoric acid— all of which can cause dental decay and erosion. So, although diet sodas don’t contain sugar, they can still be bad for your teeth. When these acids come into direct contact with your teeth, they can weaken your enamel and soften your teeth.
How to Protect Your Teeth
Drinking soda isn’t necessarily great for your teeth, but if you just can’t kick your habit, there are some things that you can do to protect them. For starters, make sure that you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride based toothpaste. Additionally, try drinking water and chewing gum after you drink soda— both of these will speed up your mouth’s natural production of saliva which will protect your teeth.
By brushing and flossing twice a day, and scheduling regular dental cleanings, you can protect your teeth from dental decay. To learn more about dental hygiene tips and tricks, contact Dr. Janice Scott’s office today!
