What is Soda Really Doing to your Teeth?
For many Americans, soda is the beverage of choice when eating a meal. Unfortunately, a new study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry has revealed that this choice is the leading factor behind dental erosion and decay.
Dental erosion occurs when the protective outer-layer of your teeth, known as enamel, is broken down by acid found in foods and beverages. Without enamel, the dentine in your teeth become susceptible to hot and cold temperatures, resulting in pain or discomfort.
Saliva helps to neutralize the acidic nature of these foods and drinks to maintain a proper balance. However, the process of drinking soda doesn’t allow for enough saliva to be produced as you constantly expose your teeth to the acidic nature of the soda, which, overtime, will result in dental erosion.
Any foods or beverages with a pH lower than 5.5 can damage your teeth. Many of these drinks contain at least 6 teaspoons of sugar as well!
– Soda (diet and regular)
– Fruit juices
– Sport drinks
– Carbonated drinks
The study examined 3,773 individual’s and separated their findings based on dental erosion levels. A staggering 79% showed signs of dental erosion, 64% had moderate tooth wear, only 10% had minimum tooth wear, and luckily only 5% had extreme tooth wear.
The researchers found that the individuals who had moderate to severe tooth wear consumed more soda or juice beverages, while those with minimal tooth wear consumed more water and milk.
The study also revealed that men are twice as likely to develop dental erosion and the severity worsens with age.
Dr. Evelina Tolchinksy DDS says, “In addition to being physically harmful to your teeth, drinking soda is one of the main factors in stained, yellow teeth.”
It is important to maintain a healthy dental regiment each day in addition to a biannual dentist visit. To make an appointment at Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry, please give us a call or make an appointment online!
Dr. Inna Trogan – DDS is experienced in cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, and general dentistry. An active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association, Dr. Trogan continuously stays up-to-date on the latest state-of-the-art technologies and advances in dentistry. She takes personal pride in providing courteous and high quality professional treatment for all of her patients’ dental care needs.
Our dentists have served the residents of Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, DUMBO, and all of our other surrounding communities for years. They can be reached by phone, 718.246.5677 or at their office in 100 Pineapple Walk, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201. You can also book an appointment online.