Why are soft drinks bad for your teeth?
Anyone who has gone grocery shopping before knows that there is a massive market for soft drinks. There is often one or even more aisles entirely dedicated to mass-produced beverages. Advertisements flash bright, happy messages that entice individuals to enjoy any time of the day—without restrictions. Why is this a problem for your teeth? Or, moreover, your overall wellness?
Soft drinks are bad for your teeth for several reasons:
- They are high in sugar, which provides food for the bacteria in your mouth, producing acids that can erode tooth enamel.
- Soft drinks often contain high levels of phosphoric and citric acids, which can also wear away tooth enamel over time.
- The carbonation in soft drinks can make them acidic and lead to enamel erosion.
The combination of sugar and acids in soft drinks can significantly contribute to tooth decay and cavities.
How do cavities form from soft drinks?
Bacteria are always present in the oral cavity. Certain types of bacteria that are cavity-producing exist in the mouth. Even with the most diligent oral health routines, that bacteria will still exist.
Bacteria are fed by fermentable carbohydrates – the kind that are found in soft drinks, along with other higher-sugar processed foods. Every time the bacteria (in the form of plaque on the teeth) are fed these sugars, an acid attack will occur on the tooth for some time. This acid attack eventually eats away at the tooth structure and can create a hole called a cavity over time. Regular brushing and flossing will help remove most bacteria accumulated during the day. However, cavities will form in abundance if someone is not careful with oral home care and what they ingest daily.
Another consideration is how often you expose the oral environment to the sugars and acids found in soft drinks. Many individuals consume soft drinks with unlimited regularity. Repetitively sipping on high-sugar drinks means the teeth will constantly be exposed to acid attacks and constant erosion of the tooth structure throughout the day.
Which soft drinks are of the highest concern to the teeth?
Soda, or pop, has been on the radar of dental health professionals for some time. This is due to several factors that have negative effects on teeth. First, the amount of sugar is of greatest concern—the average can of soda contains approximately 10 tsp of sugar.
While this is concerning, it doesn’t consider the acids in the can. Phosphoric acid is known to degrade tooth tissues, and soda has one of the highest percentages of phosphoric acid out of all marketed soft drinks. Even diet soda pop contains unsafe levels of phosphoric acid, making it a poor choice for optimal oral health.
Sports and energy drinks follow soda in terms of sugar and acid levels, but not relatively as high as their carbonated predecessors. Fruit juices, including 100% natural ones, also fall into this category.
Last but not least are the highly marketed coffee house beverages that contain heavy amounts of sugar. Do not be deceived about the negative effects these can have on your teeth if consumed in excess.
What are the best soft drink choices for your teeth?
The best soft drink choices for your teeth are those that are sugar-free and low in acidity. Sugar-free sports drinks are a good substitute, but be aware of the acidity (pH) of these options. There are also sugar-free water enhancers that can add flavor to your tap water. Sugar-free sodas and flavored sparkling water are better options than regular sodas as they are less likely to contribute to tooth decay without the sugar.
Bottled water is always a good choice for refreshment, but be aware that these options are not entirely all-natural and contain unnatural acids and preservatives for the teeth. Remember that bottled water often does not contain fluoride, a highly beneficial mineral that is helpful in cavity prevention. If you drink bottled water instead of tap water, ensure it is fortified with fluoride to have the protection needed when your dietary choices may not be ideal.
Conclusion:
Water from the tap has the win for your oral health! Fortunately, it is the most cost-effective option as well. But here are a few takeaways if you have been using soft drinks as your main form of refreshment but need a transition to something better for your overall wellness:
- Make minor changes over time: Start drinking less rather than eliminating it all at once, or dilute your beverage with water.
Use sugar-free options whenever possible: In situations such as in lines at coffee houses or when perusing the aisles at the grocery store.
Check for ingredients: The longer the list, the more unhealthy it is.
Drinking through a straw: This can help minimize the drink’s contact with your teeth.
Start using water from the tap: Instead, use bottled water to obtain the benefits of fluoride exposure.
When all else fails, speak to your dental team at Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center in Bonham, Texas! We are here to help with any nutritional guidance you may need to benefit your oral health and overall wellness.
Resources:
Cheng, R., Yang, H., Shao, M. Y., Hu, T., & Zhou, X. D. (2009). Dental erosion and severe tooth decay related to soft drinks: a case report and literature review. Journal of Zhejiang University Science B, 10(5), 395-399.
Cheng, R., Yang, H., Shao, M. Y., Hu, T., & Zhou, X. D. (2009). Dental erosion and severe tooth decay related to soft drinks: a case report and literature review. Journal of Zhejiang University Science B, 10(5), 395-399.
Kitchens, M., & Owens, B. (2007). Effect of carbonated beverages, coffee, sports and high energy drinks, and bottled water on the in vitro erosion characteristics of dental enamel. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 31(3), 153-159.
Pallavi, S. K., & Rajkumar, G. C. (2011). Soft drinks and oral health-A review. Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development, 2(1).
