Soda contains quite a bit of sugar, which damages your health. Dentists also warn about the effects of soda on teeth, which will not only tarnish the appearance of your smile, but it can also significantly affect your oral health. Below is a guide to how soda and other sugary beverages interact with your smile.

How Drinking Soda Affects Dental Care

While its sugar content is the most obvious negative aspect of drinking soda, the beverage is also quite acidic. Acids wear down tooth enamel, especially after prolonged exposure. As tooth enamel erodes, bacteria can make their way into the inner recesses of teeth. Serious erosion can also diminish the brightness of your smile. This is because the inner portion of your teeth is a darker color than the outer enamel, and as the enamel wears away, the teeth begin to look discolored. 

As enamel is damaged, the sugars in soda take a toll. Sugar is a leading cause of cavities and tooth decay, which can eventually cause tooth loss if the issue is left untreated. When coupled with lackluster dental care and not keeping up with visits to your dentist, soda can diminish your oral health and damage your smile.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay & Other Issues

The best course of action is to replace soda with water, but many people have a difficult time quitting cold turkey. In this case, try to drink soda in moderation and limit yourself to one drink per day. You can also limit exposure on your teeth by using a straw. 

After drinking soda, rinse your mouth with water to remove some of the acids and sugar. While brushing your teeth might seem like a good idea, wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. Because acids soften the enamel, brushing too soon after drinking sugary beverages can encourage erosion as the friction will wear away susceptible cells. Waiting allows the enamel to re-harden before brushing.

If you need help making over your smile after quitting your soda habit, visit Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY. They offer reconstructive and cosmetic care to help you rebuild your smile—and your confidence. Their dentists offer preventive care like teeth cleanings in addition to treatment of tooth pain and chipped or cracked teeth. Other services include tooth extractions, veneers, and cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening. Call (606) 679-4450 to schedule a dentist appointment. You can also visit them online to browse all of their services.