Orlando Periodontist | Are Your Drinks Attacking Your Teeth?

Orlando Periodontist | Are Your Drinks Attacking Your Teeth?

ORLANDO, FL PERIODONTIST

Posted on

If carbonated soft drinks are part of your normal daily routine, you may be causing serious damage to your teeth. Recent studies have found soft drinks to be among the most potent dietary causes of tooth decay. Soft 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.

Most soft 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 that beverage for hours.

Most soft 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 tend to have the highest levels of 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. Here are 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. 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.

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 our Lake Nona periodontal office.

Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics
Phone: (407) 535-9802
Url: https://www.lakenonadentalimplants.com/
9145 Narcoossee Road, Suite A-100
Orlando, FL 32827

Visit Our Orlando Dental Office

Orlando, FL Periodontist | Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics
(407) 535-9802 | 9145 Narcoossee Rd. Suite A-100, Orlando, FL 32827

Read Our Orlando Dental News

Periodontist in Orlando, FL

orlando_periodontist

How Dental Implants Can Change Your Life | Best Periodontist Orlando FL

March 15th 2023

Dental implants provide a long-term solution for tooth loss, and they can improve more than just your smile. Nearly 180 million American adults are missing at least one tooth and 40 million have lost all their permanent teeth, according to...

orlando_periodontist

What Research Tells Us About Periodontal Disease | Periodontist Orlando

March 1st 2023

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47 percent of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease; that rises to about 70 percent of adults over age 65. Gum diseases are linked to overall...

periodontist_Orlando_FL_32827

Periodontal Disease and Childhood Obesity | Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics

February 15th 2023

About half of all children suffer from some form of periodontal disease, a bacterial infection in the gums, according to studies published in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If it is left untreated, it can harm the teeth and...

Periodontist Orlando FL