Soda can have a detrimental effect on your smile.
If you enjoy drinking soda regularly, it is worth knowing that your favourite
beverage may be harming your smile. Many sodas are packed with sugar, which can
contribute to oral health issues like dental erosion and tooth decay. But even
if you drink sugar-free soda, your teeth may be suffering.
Read on to find out about the effect of soda on the teeth, and what you can do if you have noticed stains and discolouration…
Does soda stain the teeth?
Carbonated drinks — even those that don’t contain sugar — are very acidic. The acids in these types of drinks are harmful to the enamel. Acidic foods and drinks make the enamel of the teeth rougher and softer, which can make the teeth more susceptible to stains. Also, dark colas contain compounds known as chromogens, which have very strong pigments that tend to stick the enamel of your teeth, leading to discolouration over time.
What other side effects does soda have?
Besides the risk of staining and discolouration, soda can also cause other oral health issues. One of the most detrimental effects that soda has on the teeth is dental erosion. This occurs when the acids in carbonated beverages come into contact with the enamel, causing it to soften. When the enamel softens, a number of side-effects are possible — these include tooth sensitivity; cracks and chips; discolouration; and an increased risk of tooth decay.
As well as causing damage to the enamel, soda can also damage the dentin. This can increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities over time.
How can you prevent damage?
The best way to prevent the aforementioned issues is to avoid drinking soda. Try to drink water instead — this will benefit both your oral and general health.
If you do enjoy soft drinks and are struggling to kick the habit completely, try to drink them in moderation only. It is also a good idea to drink soda with a straw as this helps to minimise contact with your teeth.
After drinking soda, be sure to rinse your mouth with some water afterwards. This will help to get rid of some of the sugars and acids in your mouth and minimise damage to your teeth.
In order to maintain your oral health and keep stains at bay, it is also a good idea to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans. This will allow your dentist to identify any possible issues in their early stages, and to provide treatment as soon as possible.
How can we help?
At G Dental, we encourage all of our patients to practice proper oral hygiene and to stick to a healthy and balanced diet that is low in sugar and acids. If, however, you have noticed stains and discolouration on the surface of your teeth, you might consider a teeth whitening treatment. Teeth whitening treatments are an effective way of achieving a brighter, more aesthetically appealing smile.
At G Dental, we offer whitening treatments that are both safe and effective. If you think that you would benefit from this type of cosmetic procedure, we encourage you to come in and see us. Your dentist will examine to check for any oral health concerns and let you know if you are a suitable candidate for professional whitening.
If you would like to find out more about teeth whitening treatments at G Dental, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on 03 9435 6063.
We also offer a comprehensive range of other dental treatments, including general, children’s and cosmetic dentistry. To see the full list of procedures that we offer at G Dental, please have a look here. Each treatment is tailored to suit the individual patient, and we are available to address any questions or concerns that you have.