When looking for a refreshing drink on a hot day, you may go for a soda. Right before you grab it though, you remember that dark colored sodas can stain your teeth. Instead of getting a dark colored soda, you opt for a clear soda thinking it’s better for your teeth. However, clear sodas can damage your teeth just like dark ones.
Clear sodas are just as bad for your teeth as dark ones because of two reasons. First, they are carbonated. Second, they still contain high amounts of sugar. Unfortunately, no matter the soda, they can still put you at risk for early tooth decay.
Carbonation and Sugar: Silent Killers
The carbonation in clear sodas erodes your teeth because they are acidic. When you drink carbonated beverages, the carbonation reacts inside your mouth creating carbonic acid. Carbonic acid erodes the enamel of the teeth, making it dangerous to your oral health. You can avoid some erosion by drinking through a straw, however, some soda may still come in contact with your teeth.
Sodas are also high in sugar, which can also be a problem. The bacteria in your mouth love to eat sugar just like we do. When drinking a soda, some of its sugar is left behind after finishing it, and the bacteria in your mouth are able to quickly multiply. You can opt for a sugar-free soda to combat against bacterial growth. It’s also possible to drink some water after finishing your soda to rinse your mouth of any sugar left behind.
Another way to combat the negative effects of soda is to maintain proper oral hygiene. If you brush and floss at least twice a day, you should be able to enjoy an occasional soda without ill effect. However, brushing and flossing isn’t enough to stop tooth decay. Brushing doesn’t get rid of all the bacteria in your mouth so you will need to have a teeth cleaning every six months. If you’re interested in scheduling a teeth cleaning, please call our office, and we would be happy to assist you.
