If You Have to Drink Soda, Drink Root Beer
If you regularly consume soft drinks, here’s something to keep in mind. If you have to drink soda, drink root beer.
Exposing teeth to soft drinks, even for a short period of time, causes dental erosion, which over time can lead to significant enamel loss. Drinking any type of soft drink poses risk to the health of your teeth, If you’re looking for a soft drink that’s a bit less damaging, seek out root beer products. Root beer is non-carbonated and according to a recent report in General Dentistry, does not contain the acids that harm teeth.
Many people opt for “diet” drinks in an effort to lessen tooth damage caused by sugars in soda, but diet drinks often contain phosphoric acid and/or citric acid and still cause dental erosion, though considerably less than their sugared counterparts.
Dental erosion is characterized by the loss of tooth enamel and at times deeper parts of the tooth. Erosion results in a scooped out, smooth depression on the tooth’s surface. In many cases, tooth erosion causes sensitivity to hot and cold substances or painful sensitivity if the enamel is worn to such a degree that the dentin is exposed. Beneath the enamel, dentin protects the pulp—the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
Route 66 Smiles recommends that patients consume fewer soft drinks by limiting their intake to meals. We also advise patients to drink with a straw, which reduces soda’s contact with teeth. Many patients are shocked to hear that many of the soft drinks they consume contain 9 to 12 teaspoons of sugar, Researchers concluded that non-colas cause a greater amount of erosion than colas. Citric acid is the predominant acid in non-cola drinks and is a major factor in why non-cola drinks are especially erosive. There is a significant difference between sugared and diet colas.
Contact Route 66 Smiles, Yukon cosmetic dentistry to schedule your consultation. Or, Just call us at (405) 494-7227.