Our Waldorf, MD dentist Dr. Johnson, offers many dentistry services including preventative dentistry to assist in keeping his patients’ teeth, gums, and mouths healthy while helping them avoid tooth loss. One of the most common problems Dr. Johnson treats in patients of all ages is tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, which can be caused by the regular consumption of soda.
Hard Facts About Tooth Decay
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among kids and adolescents, even though it’s largely preventable. Tooth decay is also common among older people as most adults over the age of 20 have some degree of tooth decay.
Many kids, teens, and adults drink soda daily due to its sweet taste and refreshing qualities. While enjoying a soda now and then is not harmful, the heavy consumption of these sweet drinks is troublesome in the long run. Below is some information about how soda harms the teeth and some helpful tips from the team here at your friendly Waldorf, MD general dentistry practice that can help you keep your teeth healthy.
Heavy Soda Drinking Assaults Your Teeth
Every time you pop the lid on a can or bottle of soda and take a swig, the sugar in the soda combines with the natural bacteria found in your mouth to form acid that attacks your teeth. Even diet or sugar-free soda contains harmful acid that can damage your teeth. Every acid attack lasts for about 20 minutes and starts all over again with every little sip you take. These ongoing acid attacks make the protective tooth enamel weaker, which raises the risk for the development of tooth decay.
How Soda Drinkers Can Avoid Tooth Decay
If you enjoy drinking soda, the best thing you can do to avoid tooth decay is to limit how much soda and other sugary or carbonated beverages you drink like sweet teas, fruit juices, and sports drinks. Instead of drinking sweet beverages all day long, limit yourself to just one. At the other times of the day when you’re thirsty, stay hydrated the right way by reaching for a glass of water instead. You should also make sure to:
- Use a straw when drinking anything sweet to keep the sugar away from your teeth
- Brush your teeth after every meal and before bedtime
- Floss your teeth once daily, preferably at bedtime
- Swish your mouth out with water after drinking soda to dilute the sugar if you’re unable to brush your teeth
Other Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
While limiting your consumption of soda and cleaning your teeth regularly are key to having a healthy smile, there are some more ways you can keep your teeth healthy including:
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Visit your Waldorf, MD dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings
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Use a toothpaste containing fluoride to help protect your teeth from decay
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Drink fluoridated tap water instead of bottled water
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Avoid drinking soda right before bedtime so your teeth aren’t coated with sugar and acid for hours
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Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking
Time for a Checkup With Your Waldorf Dentist? Contact Us!
If you haven’t had a dental checkup and professional cleaning done within the past six months or so, it’s time to set up an appointment with Dr. Johnson! Just fill out and submit our appointment request form to get the process underway. We’ll contact you as quickly as possible to help you choose an appointment time that’s convenient for you!