While brushing and flossing every day is an important part of your child’s dental care regimen, you shouldn’t forget about their diet. According to the professionals at Anchorage Dental Center, sugary and acidic drinks, such as soda, can have a harmful impact on your oral health. Serving residents throughout Alaska, the friendly family dentists provide a wide range of top-quality general and cosmetic dental treatments, so you and the whole family can keep showing off your winning smiles.

Below, the premier family dentist shares a few of the harmful effects of soda on your child’s teeth:

• Tooth Decay: When the sugar in soda combines with the bacteria in your mouth, it can cause a plaque buildup that leads to cavities. The acid in soda also causes tooth erosion, which dissolves the enamel.
• Gum Disease: In addition to cavities and tooth decay, the acid and sugar in soda are linked to gum disease. The harmful bacteria in plaque buildup causes inflammation of the gums, which can eventually lead to more serious dental issues such as periodontal disease, tooth loss, and jawbone deterioration.
• Tooth Sensitivity: The acid in soda reduces the surface hardness of enamel, which is the protective layer on your teeth. This leaves the dentin layer exposed, which provides less protection and causes tooth sensitivity. Because of this, there may be pain or discomfort when eating certain foods or drinking hot or cold beverages.

Instead of sugary soda, encourage your child to drink more water and eat plenty of fruits and veggies. When it’s time for their routine teeth cleaning, call (907) 278-2521 to schedule an appointment with a family dentist at Anchorage Dental Center. You can also visit their website for a list of their general and cosmetic dentistry services.