Soft drinks are one of the major sources of tooth decay. It affects people of all ages regardless of how well they perform oral hygiene. The acids and sugar found in the drinks soften the tooth enamel which allows for cavities to form. In extreme cases, the soft enamel is combined with other factors such as improper hygiene or grinding of teeth which lead to tooth loss.

Sugar-free drinks might seem like a good solution but they still offer a good amount of acidic properties that can cause problems

Statistics about Soft Drinks

• At least one in two children drink a soft drink daily.
• One in five children drink a minimum of four soft drinks a day.
• Teenagers drink as many as 12 soft drinks a day.
• In the 50s, a large soft drink was 6.5 ounces. Now the large is 20 ounces or more.

What Should We Do?

The first thing that we must do is lower the consumption of soft drinks we consume. Start by substituting other drinks. Pick beverages that contain less sugar and acid. Healthy choices would include water, 100-percent fruit juices and milk. To get your children to drink them, you need to drink them as well and set a good example.

When you do drink a soft drink, rinse your mouth with water to remove residual acids and sugars from the tooth enamel. You can also brush with your fluoride toothpaste and use a rinse. Fluoride has been shown to reduce cavities and strengthen the enamel.

While attending the bi-annual checkups with your Walnut Creek cosmetic dentist, you can have the dental hygienist apply fluoride treatments in the form of a gel, rinse or foam. This will further strengthen the enamel.

If you can cut out soft drinks altogether, that is the best option. It is better for your health and your mouth.

Conclusion

There is no question that soft drinks are tough on your teeth. By cutting back on your consumption and practicing good oral hygiene, you significantly lower the chance of cavities. Be sure to visit your Walnut Creek cosmetic dentist twice a year and discuss other techniques to counteract any damage being done by soft drinks.