Today in history is a special day for Dentistry and Dentists. In 1833 the patent for the world’s first soda fountain was given out. Without the invention of cola’s and soda fountains dentistry may not be important today. Studies have shown that the increase in soda consumption has followed right along with the increase in cavities.
Fluoride added to water systems has slowed the progress of decay in modern countries but drinking soda, including diet soda, can have the same effect over time as smoking crystal meth or crack cocaine.
A report from General Dentistry in 2013 shows an addiction to diet soda may do as much major damage to your smile as a drug habit, and it really has nothing to do with SUGAR.
Diet sodas are just as harmful and they don’t have sugar. The culprit is “acid”. Regular soft drinks have sugar that combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which attacks the teeth. Diet or “sugar-free” soda contains its own acid, which also can damage teeth. These ongoing acid attacks weaken tooth enamel. Kids and teens are most susceptible to tooth decay because their tooth enamel is not fully developed.
Dental professionals understand that people want to drink soda, and most don’t support an outright ban. As with anything in life, most dentists just want to remind people to drink in moderation.
At Carlyle Dental we advise people to look at the frequency at which you are drinking sodas and how much. Most patients will ask “How much is too much?” The best answer to that question is “If soda is your primary drink and you are drinking more soda than water, then you are drinking too much soda!”
If you are going to drink soda, we suggest rinsing your mouth with water after drinking or chewing some sugar-free gum with xylitol, which stimulates saliva. Your saliva can act just like water, washing the acids away.