Blog Highlights
- Sodas are compromising for teeth for two main reasons
- Some research has shown that non-colas cause more erosion than colas
- A report suggests that root beer products may be a safer soda for your teeth
It is a well-known fact that drinking sodas on a regular basis causes dental erosion. Overtime, dental erosion leads to severe enamel loss and further complications with teeth.
Sodas are compromising for teeth for two main reasons. One, they contain 9-12 teaspoons of sugar, and two, they have extremely high levels of acidity. Many patients believe that diet sodas are safer for their teeth because they contain less sugar than regular sodas. While diet sodas pose a smaller threat than regular sodas, they still contain phosphoric acid and citric acid, both of which contribute to dental erosion.
Some research has shown that non-colas cause more erosion than colas. High levels of citric acid in non-cola drinks makes them more dangerous for your teeth. Citric acid is a huge contributor to the erosive-effects caused by sodas in general. This suggests that it may be better to limit your soda consumption to cola options. Though of course, cola beverages still lead to erosion.
General Dentistry recently put forth a report that suggests that root beer products may be a safer soda for your teeth. Root beer is not carbonated and lacks the tooth-damaging acids found in most other soda products. While there may be some truth to this, soda in any form still compromises your teeth.
In general, it’s advised that you strictly limit your consumption of soft drinks. If you absolutely can’t live without soda, consider only drinking sodas with your meals. You may also start drinking your sodas with a straw. This helps limit the contact between the soda and your teeth.
Though soda may taste good and refreshing, remember that every sip is potentially leading to dental erosion. Dental erosion often presents as a smooth depression on the tooth’s surface. You will start to feel sensitivity to hot and cold substances or even pain if the tooth’s dentin becomes exposed. To help protect your teeth and avoid pain and extensive dental care in the future, consider avoiding sodas altogether or at least significantly reducing your consumption.
