One of your favorite beverages is a tall glass of seltzer water – ice cold, refreshing and providing relief from the hot summer days. Is it possible, though, that this symbol of effervescent refreshment is detrimental to your oral health? Your dentist in Green Hills says that before you enjoy another one of these drinks, there are some things that you should know. Read on to learn how you can prevent oral health problems by limiting your consumption of carbonated beverages.
Most Tooth Decay Starts Here
Before we delve into the world of the carbonated drink, let’s first discuss the source of most tooth decay – bacteria. The primary problem with these harmful critters is that they cling to your teeth and gums and release caustic acids that start a chain reaction of events.
Always present in your mouth, bacteria are attracted to leftover food particles (especially sugars) and feed on them. As the bacteria grow, they accumulate in your mouth and begin to encroach the different parts of your oral cavity.
What’s the Problem with Carbonated Soda?
The main problem with carbonated sodas is that they have the same effect on your oral cavity that bacteria do. That’s because for the beverage to have its fizziness, pressurized carbon is added to it. As harmless as it may seem, this process makes the drink very acidic – the same situation that bacteria create.
The acid softens the tooth enamel and overconsumption can lead to tooth sensitivity. Still, there’s a way to lessen the negative effects of carbonated beverages by reducing the amount of sugar added to it.
You Could Do a Lot Worse
Although we’ve revealed how drinking effervescent sodas can be harmful, what’s worse is consuming fruit juices packed with sugar. The added sweeteners provide the bacteria lurking in your mouth with the sustenance they crave. So don’t feel bad if you’ve been indulging in a few carbonated drinks.
Think Moderation
The key is moderation. You can treat yourself, from time-to-time, to a delightful beverage, but you should be sure to practice excellent oral hygiene afterwards to rid your mouth of the harmful effects.
As a basic rule of thumb, though, the majority of your liquid consumption should be water. It provides you with the best hydrating properties and causes no harm to your teeth and gums.
So before you have your next beverage, take a moment to ask yourself, “Will this be harmful for my teeth?”
A great way to learn more about ways to protect your oral wellness and to make sure that your teeth are clean and healthy is to visit your family dentist in Green Hills for a preventive care visit today!
About the Author
For a decade, Dr. James Kirby has been using his vast knowledge of dentistry to help his patients experience the best in oral health. He earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis and then returned to the place he loves – Nashville, Tennessee – to make it his home. Since then, Dr. Kirby has gone on to complete hours of continuing education to further advance his knowledge and skillset. He cares for patients at Green Hills Dental Center and can be reached for more information through his website.