Dentists have long warned about the effects of consuming too much sugar. Yet, while sweet treats like candies tend to get the worst reputation, beverages often go overlooked. Soda, in particular, is among the worst offenders when it comes to impacting your oral health. Discover how your favorite fizzy habit could be wreaking havoc on your dental wellness, below.

How Soda Impacts Your Oral Health  

What Are the Effects of Soda on Your Oral Health?

Soft drinks are strongly linked to tooth decay. The sugar in these beverages combine with naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth, forming harmful acid that attacks teeth by weakening enamel. When enamel becomes compromised, it enables the bacteria to create cavities. Worse yet, acids can also cause damage beneath your gum line. Even in diet or sugar-free sodas, which lack traditional high-fructose corn syrup, these harmful acids are still present.  

How Can You Combat Damage Caused by Soda?

The most effective way to minimize the oral damage caused by soda is to simply limit your consumption. Soft drinks should be reserved for occasional use, and instead be swapped out for drinks with less sugar and acid, such as water or milk. If you crave a bubbly fix, naturally flavored seltzer water with cucumber slices or fresh fruit may also be an alternative to try. When you do choose to indulge in soda, be sure to rinse afterwards and sip through a straw to limit its direct contact with your teeth.

If you’ve been a longtime soda drinker, it’s especially critical for you to practice comprehensive oral care. Your dentist may recommend fluoride toothpastes and rinses to strengthen your enamel. You may also be an ideal candidate for professionally applied fluoride treatments. Even if you’ve been able to evade the damage caused by soda, be sure to maintain your regularly scheduled dentist’s appointments. During these visits, professionals help to reduce your risk of oral complications by removing stubborn tartar and performing X-rays to promptly address cavities.

Whether you’re seeking solutions to combat soda-related teeth issues or you’re simply due for a regular exam and cleaning, Dental Clinic of Onalaska in Wisconsin is your one-stop location for comprehensive dental care. Led by dentist Dr. Mike Olsen, this practice makes each patient feel welcome in their comfortable office and takes a highly individualized approach to dental care. See their extensive list of services on their website or call (608) 783-3341 to schedule an appointment. You can also reach their second location in Trempealeau, WI, by calling (608) 534-6195.