 tooth decay. Every time you take a sip of soda, this 20-minute acid attack starts all over again.
Acid – Erodes tooth enamel
Most soda contain phosphoric acid and citric acid, which are both highly damaging to your teeth. Acids can soften the enamel of the teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Regular loss of enamel due to erosion can lead to the exposure of the inner layers of the tooth that may make the teeth sensitive and/or painful. If you have a receding gum line, keep in mind that acid will do more damage below the gum line.
Diet soda drinkers beware!
Although drinking diet soda solves the problem of exposing your teeth to the damaging effects of sugar, diet sodas are still acidic and still promote tooth decay.
What To Do
It is best to remove soda from you diet completely and drink water instead, however, if you cannot cut it out completely practice drinking it in moderation or only on special occasions.
Use a straw, sipping through a straw reduces the amount of contact sugar and acid have on your teeth.
Do not sip on soda slowly or over long periods of time as it exposes your teeth to repeated sugar and acid attacks.
After drinking soda, take a drink of water, preferably tap water that has been fluoridated. Drinking water after soda will help remove or dilute the sugar and acid from your teeth.
Brush your teeth after drinking soda with fluoride toothpaste and, if you like, take it one step further and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.
Never drink soda before you go to sleep, the damaging effects are increased.
Never, never drink soda while sleeping. -Yes, people are known have it on their nightstands, sipping on it through the night- Water should be your only source of hydration through the night. This practice only results in bad outcomes.
Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings to remove plaque, bacteria, from your teeth.
Drink water instead! It is what our body is designed to drink. Our thirst craves water. Water is the body’s No.1 choice for hydration.
Photos of tooth decay due to soft drink consumption