The Soft Drink Tooth Decay Process
When drinking soft drinks and other sugary liquids, you're exposing your teeth to something over time that even with good brushing and flossing, can break down the hard enamel that protects your teeth. Tooth decay is caused from the tiny bacteria thriving around teeth that, when exposed to sugar, produce acid. The acid causes enamel and any exposed rooth surfaces to soften and decay.
Risk Factors of Soft Drink Tooth Decay
Exposure time, Previous cavities, crowns or fillings, Reduced salivation, Genetics, Individual susceptibility, Home care, No dental care, Not enough fluoridation, Crowding of the teeth, Deep pits and grooves in teeth.
Beyond tooth decay, excess sugar consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, calcium-robbed bones, kidney stones, osteoporosis and overall poor health.
Prevention
Limit the amount of soda and other sugary liquids you drink, especially when wearing braces or retainers.
Drink other alternatives to soft drinks, such as water.
Read labels for sugar, which can also be called high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, glucose or dextrose.
Ask your dentist about prescription fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel.
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