For Oral Health, Drop That Soda and Drink Water

Woman in heart glasses drinking from a winding straw.

IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY WEEK a new study is published adding to the list of reasons why drinking soda is harmful. We at Dental Partners of Boston would like to emphasize just one of those reasons: soda consumption is a major cause of tooth decay.

Soda Damages Teeth And Gums More Than You Think

Soda is loaded with sugar and acid which erodes tooth enamel (the hard coating of your teeth). Sipping soda over a long period of time only compounds the problem. Every time you take a drink it covers your teeth and gums again for up to 20 minutes. The constant presence of bacteria-growing sugar and acid contributes not only to tooth decay but gingivitis as well.

Drink Water for a Healthier Mouth

There are few things more important to your overall well-being than staying properly hydrated. But have you ever considered how beneficial drinking water is to your oral health? Drinking water during and after meals helps to wash away food particles and sugar, reducing bad breath and bacteria growth by up to 30 percent! Less acid-producing bacteria means less risk of cavities and gum disease. When brushing after eating isn’t possible, make sure to at least swish your mouth with water.

Minimize Damage From Soft Drinks

Completely cutting out soda isn’t something everyone wants to do, so when you do drink soda, remember these tips:

  1. Don’t sip over a long period of time.
  2. Don’t drink soda shortly before bedtime.
  3. Use a straw to keep the soda off your teeth.
  4. Brush your teeth or at least swish with water after drinking soda.

As part of your effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we at Dental Partners of Boston encourage you to remember these tips the next time you reach for a soda!

Thanks for being a valued patient at our practice!

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