Soda Drinkers Will Need to Visit Their Local Denver Dentist

On May 28, 2013, ScienceDaily posted an article that explored the damage regular soda consumption can deal with teeth. The report, based on a case study by the General Dentistry journal, even equated the dental destruction caused by soda to be similar to the ones caused by illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine and cocaine. This is due to the enamel in the teeth corroding after being exposed to acidic substances found in these products.

This process is labeled as tooth erosion, and the loss of enamel can lead to serious setbacks such as cavities and discoloration. While Colorado has tried applying restrictions on the consumption of soda, it won’t guarantee that its residents will have healthier teeth. Regular dental care is key to preventing tooth erosion, and locals can start by brushing and flossing often, in addition to visiting a neighborhood Denver dentist on occasion.

General Dentistry’s case study compared the dental conditions of three test patients: a user of methamphetamine, a cocaine user, and a diet soda drinker. All three patients admitted that they each had poor oral hygiene and had not visited their dentists on a regular basis. The researchers found the same level of damage across all three subjects; the conclusion was that each substance had high enough levels of acid that corroded the enamel of the subjects.

Soda, the most seemingly benign substance of the three, can be deceptively destructive to teeth. The citric acid found in soda can aggravate tooth erosion, in addition to the harmful sugar present in the drink. Even diet sodas aren’t exempted, as the supposed sugar-free drink still has large amounts of acid—enough to damage enamel; thus, experts recommend limiting soda intake, drinking more water (especially after drinking soda), and chewing sugar-free gum in order to counter the acids by increasing saliva flow.

People should be very careful of what they consume, as even the slightest hint of acid can ruin enamel. Regular brushing and flossing won’t just do the trick, especially if the damage has already been dealt with. Visiting a dentist in Denver, like those from the Cody Dental Group, should help folks understand what’s wrong with their teeth, and how they can further protect their enamel.

Too much of something can be bad, as in the case of soda consumption. Teeth hate acids, but many foodstuffs such as soda are loaded with corrosive substances. It’s up to the public to be wary of the foods they eat, as well as to take preventative measures to maintain good oral health. To that end, it never hurts to pay a dentist a visit for oral cleaning and treatment.