Dentist in Renton Discusses Carbonated Beverages and Your Teeth

Sodas, energy drinks and soda water are incredibly popular. Some people even exclusively drink fizzy water instead of plain because they like it so much. But many people are unaware of the effects these drinks can have on their teeth – even the sugar-free varieties! Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take so you can still enjoy carbonated drinks without needing extensive dental work from a dentist in Renton. Keep reading to learn why carbonated beverages are harmful in the first place and what you can do to protect your teeth from their negative impact.

 

Why Are Carbonated Beverages Bad For Your Teeth?

Everyone knows that sugary drinks like juice and soda can increase your risk of cavities. But how does simple carbonation cause problems? It’s simple. Carbonated drinks contain either phosphoric or carbonic acid.

Unfortunately, although enamel is the hardest substance in your body (even harder than your bones) it isn’t indestructible!

The same way that acid rain erodes marble and stone, the acids in carbonated beverages will soften and erode your enamel over time, eventually leading to cavities.

How Can You Counteract the Effects of Carbonated Beverages?

Although it’s wise to minimize your consumption of carbonated beverages, you don’t have to give them up completely. Here are some easy tips for protecting your enamel after sipping on something carbonated:

• Get regular dental care – Regular checkups with a ‘dentist near me’ are a chance for a professional to closely monitor your teeth. A dentist can not only recommend preventative measures as necessary, but will also catch any small cavities when they’re small and easy to fix.
• Use topical fluoride – In addition to the fluoride in your toothpaste, rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash twice a day is a great way to strengthen your enamel and prevent decay.
• Chew sugar-free gum – Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates salivary flow, which neutralizes acids and reduces the risk of cavities.
• Swish with plain water – If you don’t have gum handy, simply swishing with plain water several times will wash away the acids in your mouth before they can cause damage.

Enjoying your favorite foods and beverages is an important part of enjoying life to the fullest. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to have the occasional carbonated beverage without worrying about damaging your teeth!

About the Author

Dr. Sam Kim is a general, cosmetic and restorative dentist in Renton who has seen firsthand the effects that carbonated beverages have on his patients’ teeth. His goal is to educate patients about the risks to their oral health and how they can lessen the impact. If you have any questions, he can be reached via his website or at (253) 277-8767.