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Most sodas (fizzy drinks) contain carbonated water, a sweetener, natural or artificial flavouring, and sometimes artificial colouring.
The reason soda is bad for dental health is its high levels of both sugar and acidity. When you drink soda, the sugars within interact with bacteria in your mouth to form acid. This acid attacks your teeth. Both regular and sugar-free sodas also contain their own acids, and these attack the teeth too.
Diet or “sugar-free” soda contains its own acid, which also can damage your teeth. Each attack lasts about 20 minutes and starts over with every sip of soda you take.
These ongoing acid attacks weaken tooth enamel. Children are most at risk for suffering the teeth-damaging effects of soft drinks, as their vulnerable enamel is not fully developed.
To lessen tooth decay when you take soda:
- Use a straw to keep the sugar away from your teeth
- Swish your mouth out with water after drinking to dilute the acid and sugar if brushing your teeth is not possible.
- The longer it takes to drink a soft drink, the more time it has to wreak your dental health. The faster you drink, the less time the sugars and acids have to damage your teeth.
- Wait at least half an hour after your last drink or meal before brushing
- Substitute soft drinks, sports drinks or fruit juice for a meal.
- Limiting your intake, brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly will reduce your risk of tooth decay improve and/or maintain your oral health.