While you are surely aware that soft drinks can damage your teeth, it is important to understand how and why they do. Moreover, sports drinks can cause similar harm. We are by no means trying to get you from drinking them altogether. Rather, we just think it is important for you to fully understand the effects they can have on your smile. With this in mind, for today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist discusses the harmful effects these sugary beverages can inflict upon your teeth.
What Sugar-Filled Drinks Do To Your Smile
According to research published in the Journal of Zhejiang University Science B, soft drinks cause significant tooth decay to those who regularly consume them. Likewise, sports drinks can inflict similar damage. While these beverages are not quite as bad as sodas, they are marketed as healthy drinks, which can cause you to let your guard down. The sugar in both types of drinks is consumed by bacteria in your mouth, which in turn creates acid that wears down your enamel. While you are likely aware that sugar is bad for your teeth, this study indicates how severe it can be. This is amplified when paired with poor and irregular brushing and flossing habits.
If you do drink soda, it is essential for you to brush regularly and also use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps repair your enamel which can help prevent additional damage from incurring. If the decay continues, you could end up with cavities that require fillings to save your teeth.
Be Wary Of Acid, As Well
In addition to large quantities of sugar in these drinks, citric acid is another cause for concern. It, too, can wear down your enamel. Additionally, it can cause discoloration and staining in your teeth. While surface-level stains can be dealt with via professional teeth-whitening, deeper ones — also known as intrinsic stains — could require porcelain veneers to cover them up. Acids are not exclusive to soda and sports drinks. Coffee and tea contain them as well, so regardless of your beverage of choice, it is crucial that you are aware of the dental risks they pose. Again, we are not advocating for you to cut any other these drinks out of your diet. Instead, we just want you to be aware of what they can cause and opt for consuming them in moderation.
Contact Us To Learn More About Tooth Decay Caused By Sugar
Taking care of your teeth is immensely important, and while we are always here to help in the office, you also need to do your part at home. Brushing, flossing, and monitoring your sugar and acid intake all go a long way towards preventing serious issues, like decay, from developing. Contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 to schedule your next appointment and learn about the ways we can help solve tooth decay.
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