Perhaps it's obvious that something referred to as "Mountain Dew mouth" isn't positive. The problem is that dentists throughout California are seeing varying degrees of it (also called "soda mouth") more frequently than ever. Health specialists consider the popular drink Mountain Dew as one of the main reasons for high rates of tooth decay and other dental problems.
Why Soda Is Bad for Your Teeth
Sodas contain high amounts of sugar (corn syrup is also a sugar). Naturally-occurring bacteria inside your mouth thrive in the presence of excessive sugar. In the process, they make harmful acids that wreak havoc on your oral health, especially on the protective outer layer of your teeth called enamel. When oral bacteria penetrate through your weakened enamel, a small hole forms to begin a cavity. If neglected, even a single cavity can lead to severe pain and tooth loss.
You might be asking yourself, "If I switch to diet soda, I'll eliminate the problem, right? Wrong.
Drinking any form of soda (energy drinks included) subjects you to consuming acids found in the drink itself. Carbonic, citric, and phosphoric acids are some of the ingredients in sugared and sugar-free soda alike. And, although sugar is notorious for being the leading culprit behind tooth decay, acids such as those mentioned can be equally — or more — harmful to your teeth, especially since they possess the ability to erode enamel and the layer underneath (dentin).
How to Prevent Soda-Related Tooth Damage
Giving up your soda-drinking habits would remove a ruthless enemy to your oral health (and your overall health). However, if eliminating soda is not a practical choice for you (although most health experts recommend it), there are many ways to combat the negative effects of soda on your teeth.
1. Have an after-soda strategy
If you love soda and can't give it up just yet, you need to create an anti-tooth decay strategy to follow after each beverage. For instance, you can drink a glass of water or rinse your mouth with clean water or a mouthwash to reduce the soda residue on your teeth.
As for brushing your teeth after drinking soda, remember to wait for 30 minutes before doing so. When you sip on soda, its acids begin reacting with the surface of your teeth almost instantly, which makes them vulnerable to cavities and other dental problems. A 2009 study supports this claim, concluding that tooth brushing right after drinking soda can worsen the effects of acidic beverages.
2. Limit your consumption to once a day (or less)
Those who drink soda throughout the day are constantly giving sugar and acids the opportunity to ruin their teeth. If you must drink soda, limit it to a short period of time, such as pairing it with one of your main means instead of every meal and snack. But this is not a stamp of approval to drink as much as you can in one sitting. As much as possible, limit your soda consumption to a standard serving per day.
To make things easier for you, it may help to rid your home of soda cans and bottles so that you don't find yourself reaching for them throughout the day.
3. Replace soda with another satisfying beverage
Allow us to point out the obvious: water doesn't have the harmful sugars and acids that popular sodas like Mountain Dew, Coke, or Pepsi contain. It's also free of charge (if we're strictly talking about municipal tap water). If plain water isn't to your liking, you can also choose from a variety of delicious soda alternatives beyond water. But remember that when it boils down to the best beverage for your health, water wins hands down.
4. Keep a water bottle as your daily companion
If you have some ice-cold water within reach at all times, you might not even think about or miss soda. As soon as you get up each morning, fill an insulated tumbler (or any drinking container with a lid) with water, and ensure it stays by your side throughout the day. Having a water bottle right next to you at all times may help you drink more water than soda. If you still end up with a can of soda in hand, having a water bottle in the other should help you eliminate some of the sugar residues in your mouth. So go drink that H20!
5. Visit your dentist twice a year
Alongside good oral hygiene, prioritizing dental checkups every six months can go a long way in keeping your teeth strong, white, and healthy. If your dentist detects a soda-related issue, he or she can implement measures to prevent it from worsening. Your dentist in Irvine and Montclair, CA can also provide helpful tips and insights on how to reduce the harmful effects of soda.
A Final Word of Advice
If you're like half of America's population, the chances are high that you've had a sugary drink today — and it was probably soda. Aside from damaging your teeth, keep in mind that drinking a high-sugar beverage is also associated with weight gain, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, one study revealed a striking resemblance between Mountain Dew mouth and meth mouth. To make matters worse, according to a recent study, people who drink more than two glasses of soda a day have a high risk of premature death.
If you have to drink soda or any soft drink, do your best to do it in moderation and protect your overall health in the process.
General and Cosmetic Dentists in Irvine-Montclair, CA
Cunning Dental Group's main purpose is to provide you with the highest quality dental services in Southern California. Our dentists provide individualized general and cosmetic dentistry for the whole family. So, whether your child needs braces or your father needs dental implants, we can get the job done. Call us today at (855) 328-6646 or write to us online to schedule your dental appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Comments