Something that you have likely heard over and over through the years is that soda is bad for your teeth. Many Americans regularly consume soda, and it has become a staple in many diets for consumers both young and old. Is it really as bad as they say?
In short, the answer is yes. In addition to being unhealthy, full of empty calories and full of sugar, soda is actually harmful for your teeth. There are some misconceptions about what beverages can actually do. Below are two ways that soda can harm your teeth and cause serious, permanent damage.
Soda Does Its Damage
Erosion
Have you ever bit into something cold, and it hurt your teeth? This may be a result of damaged or eroded enamel. Basically, your enamel is a protective layer that helps keep your teeth from suffering damage . When it’s strong and healthy, sensitivity isn’t usually a problem.
Despite being sweet flavored, soft drinks are actually acidic, and this acid can eat at the enamel in your teeth and cause it to lose its hardness. Once you lose enamel, you are much more likely to visit the dentist for a tooth problem.
Cavities
A problem for many Americans, cavities are both costly and painful. While soft drinks are far from the only causes of cavities in a western diet, they are one of the leading ones.
In addition to your enamel, soft drinks also attack the underlayer, or dentin. This damage is to the actual structure of the tooth and can result in a painful cavity that will have to be corrected by your dentist.
The Final Word
Soda is a fixture in many diets across the country. Cutting down on the soft drinks, and paying close attention when cleaning your teeth can help to reduce the damage these popular beverages can cause.
