If you are like the average American, then chances are you indulged with some kind of sugary drink today. It’s estimated that almost half of all the people in the United States drink soda at least once a day. Drinking high-sugar drinks is unhealthy and can lead to obesity and type-2 diabetes. It can also wreak havoc on your teeth.

At Absolute Smile, we help all of our families achieve their dental care needs. We understand that you want to have a healthy and happy smile, so we offer affordable and comprehensive services that benefit the entire family. Soda can have a detrimental affect on your smile, so we’ve created a quick fact guide to help you understand the implications of soda drinking more easily.

• Acid formation

Drinking sugary sodas causes the sugars in the drink to interact with the bacteria in your mouth. The acid attacks your teeth and causes damage to the enamel. Both regular sodas and even sugar-free sodas have their own acids which interact with your teeth and cause potential damage.

• Tooth erosion

What many people don’t realize is that drinking soda also cause the acids in the drink to reduce the surface hardness of your tooth enamel. For this reason, it’s recommended to limit soda drinking as much as possible, or eliminate it altogether.

• Cavity formation

Drinking soda also causes cavities. This is because the sugars in the drink affect the dentin and even the3 composite fillings that you might have inside your mouth. Damage to tooth enamel can lead to cavities.

If it seems like you just can’t cut your soda habit, then you might want to at least try cutting back as much as possible. If you drink in moderation and if you use a straw when you indulge, this will help minimize the negative effects that soda drinking might otherwise have on your teeth.

Try to make it a habit to brush your teeth after having a soda. You can also just rinse your mouth out with water if you don’t have a tooth brush on hand. Washing away any residual sugars is the best way to ensure that no damage occurs to your teeth. Avoid drinking soda right before bed and make sure to schedule regular dental checkups, too.