About Soft Drinks

There has been a steady rise in the amount of sugary drinks consumed every day by children and adults. It is not unusual for children to drink six to seven soft drinks daily. The average American gets more than 23 pounds of sugar from soft drinks yearly.

Contrary to popular belief, diet or “sugar-free” soft drinks can be just as harmful to your teeth because of their high acid levels.

The Soft Drink Tooth Decay Process

When drinking soft drinks and other sugary beverages, you’re exposing your teeth to something over time that even with good brushing and flossing, can break down the hard enamel that protects your teeth. Tooth decay is caused from the tiny bacteria thriving around teeth that when exposed to sugar, produce acid. The acid causes enamel and any exposed root surfaces to soften and decay.

Effects of Tooth Decay

The hard outer coating of your teeth gets eaten away during tooth decay and leaves tooth surfaces looking darkly stained, soft and a leathery consistency. Some teeth even get tiny holes at the gum line. When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to larger cavities, root canals, crowns and possible tooth loss.

Beyond tooth decay, excess sugar consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, calcium-robbed bones, kidney stones, osteoporosis and overall poor health.

Risk Factors of Soft Drink Tooth Decay

• Exposure Time
• Genetics
• Home Care
• Individual Susceptibility
• Deep Pits and Grooves In Teeth
• Not Enough Fluoridation
• No Dental Care
• Previous Cavities, Crowns or Fillings
• Crowding of Teeth
• Reduced Salivation (i.e., with medication, radiation or dry mouth