Kiefer Family Dental will remind you, and we all know and have been taught since we were young that damage that can be caused to your teeth by sugary drinks due to their combination of sugars, carbonation, and acids. There were even terms like “Mountain Dew Mouth” and “Cola Cavities” that came about from the damage done to teeth by all of the different sodas.
An online study of 5,400 respondents discovered that 65% of North Carolinians admit that they have delayed dental check-ups over the pandemic due to the worry of contracting COVID-19. Obviously, this is a dental dilemma.
This concept is common in the Appalachian region of the US, where 98% of people experience tooth decay before the age of 44. But here is the bigger issue besides the hiatus in dental visits. 81% said they’ve also increased their consumption of sugary drinks since the start of the pandemic.
These factors put North Carolinians in ninth place nationally to have developed “Cola Cavities” since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Louisianans ranked number one! The highest in the US. The good people of Rhode Island came in last (which really makes them first). Interestingly, over half of the Appalachian states ranked within the top 15 places of this study.
Why are Soft Drinks So Bad?
Soft drinks typically contain around 11 teaspoons of sugar per 12-fluid ounce. They also contain citric acid, which adds another risk to your teeth. A triple combination of acids, sugar and carbonation can weaken tooth enamel, which is the protective covering over the teeth. This combination also encourages the growth of mouth bacteria and without enamel protection, these can cause serious damage.
Preventing these kinds of dental problems is usually a matter of cutting down on sugary drinks. It also helps to see a dentist regularly for check-ups. If you’re unable to kick the habit, however, there are some ways to reduce the risk of developing this type of tooth damage:
1 – Maintain a Healthy Diet
Replace soda with better alternatives like water to ease the burden on your teeth. Keep acidic foods to a minimum if you have sensitive teeth and remember that a healthy diet benefits not only your body but your teeth as well. Acidic foods and drinks ruin teeth….PERIOD!
2 – Drink Water
Drink enough water after you consume a sugary beverage so it can help reduce the acidity that your teeth are exposed to. Sipping on sugary drinks throughout the day, rather than downing them quickly, can also reduce this acidity as it bathes the teeth in a steadier stream of carbonation, sugars, and acids.
3 – Wait an Hour Before Brushing
Some experts suggest that brushing your teeth immediately after drinking soda may cause even more damage, as the enamel is vulnerable in the time after being exposed to acids. Therefore, it’s recommended that you wait at least an hour after drinking soda or sugary drinks before brushing. Brushing is an essential way to get the enamel of your teeth clean.
We at Kiefer Family Dental hope that the tips to prevent cavities were helpful. The office of Kiefer Family Dental provides the best in modern dentistry for individuals and families including solving all dental issues you may encounter.
Our highly-qualified dentists and gentle hygienists work hard to combine knowledge and skill with the latest in technology to give our patients the best possible dental outcomes. With services ranging from periodontal therapy, to oral surgery. dental implants, dentures and even being set up for Invisalign clear braces, Kiefer Family Dental is your Evansville, Indiana A+ dental choice. Call (812) 424-9506 or use the website to book an appointment online.
