The Effects Of Sugary Drinks On Your Teeth
Most people realize that eating candy and other sugary foods is not something that is good for their teeth, but many people fail to recognize the dangers of the beverages they consume on their oral health. Sugary drinks are extremely popular, but they can lead to problems with your teeth. Here are a few things you should know about this if you drink sugary beverages.
The effects of sugary drinks on teeth
When you consume sugary drinks, you are exposing your teeth to a lot of sugars. While sugar alone does not harm teeth, sugar is what bacteria feeds on. When this occurs, it creates acid, and acid is what destroys teeth. Each time you drink a sugary drink, you are feeding the bacteria in your mouth, and this is what increases your risks of problems with your teeth.
The result of drinking sugary drinks is an increased risk of cavities, but there are other effects, too. When you expose your teeth to acids which automatically happens when bacteria eats sugar, you also put yourself at risk for enamel erosion, which is the process of enamel wearing off teeth. Enamel erosion weakens teeth and makes them more sensitive. This is also something that can increase your risk of developing gum disease.
The types of beverages that are the worst for your teeth
Soda ranks near the top of the list of worst drinks for your teeth, but sports drinks are also on the top. Additionally, fruit juices are also considered one of the worst beverages, in terms of the effects they have on your teeth. The only safe beverage there really is would be water, and water is not only safe for your teeth, but it is also good for your teeth.
What you can do to avoid problems from sugary drinks
If you want to avoid the problems that come with drinking sugary beverages, there are several things you could do. The first thing to do is limit the sugary beverages you consume. If you really love soda, for example, you do not have to eliminate it completely, but you should limit it to one drink a day. You should also try to consume the entire beverage quickly, as this will reduce the amount of time you are exposing your teeth to the sugars in the drink. You could also drink it with a straw to help minimize the effects. When drinking with a straw, the sugars may bypass the teeth more so, and this could also help decrease the problems sugary drinks cause.
Taking care of the teeth you have is important if you want them to last, and you can learn more about good oral care habits by visiting a local family dental practice.