The Impact of Sugary Drinks on Your Teeth | Magnolia Dental

Sugars are the only guilty pleasures that we give in to from time to time. Science has established that they are unhealthy for the body, and the mouth is no exception. Sugary drinks and sweet foods are the leading causes of tooth sensitivity and dental cavities. Dental care in Waterdown provides a comprehensive treatment plan for all; the dentist for sensitivity will not only treat you but also educate you about the correct diet. Good oral care is a combination of both good oral hygiene and a healthy diet.

What do sugary drinks do to your teeth?

Unlike sugary foods, sugar-based drinks like sodas, fizzy drinks, canned juices, and energy drinks (including sweetened tea and coffee) linger in the mouth for a longer time. The fluids reach all the corners and crevices of the teeth and the gums. You will usually not rinse your mouth after the drink because of the flavorful aftertaste. 


As we know, the first step of digestion starts in the mouth, and saliva helps in the process. The saliva breaks down the sugars to produce acids. These acids dissolve the enamel of the teeth over a period of time. When the enamel is weak and fragile, it becomes very easy for the bacteria to infect the tooth, causing cavities. They also breed on sugar and produce toxins that make the gums sore, red, and painful.

With time, sugary drinks can cause multiple dental problems.

Effects of sugary drinks on teeth:

Erosion

Erosion, as the word suggests, is the wear and tear of the tooth enamel due to chemicals. In this case, it's sugar. Enamel is the hardest tissue of the body and is a protective layer for the teeth. The sugar-saliva interaction produces acids that make the enamel porous—essentially by dissolving it. With time, the enamel becomes brittle and breaks off, exposing the inner dentin and the pulp. Eroded teeth look yellow and disfigured in color. 

Cavities

Tooth decay, or cavities, is the most common infection of the mouth. As the enamel is fragile and porous, the bacteria in the mouth easily penetrate the tooth. They invade the dentin and sometimes the inner pulp (nerves inside the tooth) too. The spread of cavities can be rampant if untreated.

How do you know if sugary drinks are ruining your teeth?

Teeth affected by sugary drinks can show a variety of symptoms. Do not wait for the issues to snowball into complications. Let’s see some of the common issues caused by sugary drinks:

Sensitive teeth

Yellowing of teeth

Sore gums

Cavities and tooth decay

Dry mouth and bad breath

How to prevent damage from sugary drinks?

Drink in limited amounts

Do not make sugary drinks a regular habit. Having a soda or an energy drink once in a while is okay, but do not get addicted to them. 

Drink quickly and rinse your mouth soon after

Preferably use a straw to drink, to avoid excessive contact of the drink with the teeth and the gums. Finish up and rinse your mouth thoroughly with normal water. Do not get addicted to the after-taste, trust us, that’s harmful.

Do not brush immediately!

Yes! You’ve heard that right. All sugary drinks, especially the fizzy ones, make the enamel softer soon after drinking them. Brushing right away can wear off the enamel sooner. A gap of 30 to 45 minutes helps the enamel layer stabilize and also allows the saliva to form a protective layer on the tooth. 

Avoid sugary drinks at bedtime.

An energy drink or a steaming cup of sweetened coffee can give you the boost you need to work at night, but they will cause faster bacterial growth. The saliva flow at night is reduced, making it easier for the germs to invade.

Don’t miss your dental appointments

The dentist for sensitivity can offer you the best solutions for eroded teeth. Teeth sensitivity treatments will include a thorough cleaning of the teeth as well as the application of sealants. Seeing the dentist once every 6 months also keeps a record of any newly formed cavities in the mouth.

Conclusion

Now that you have a fair idea of sugary drinks and their impact on the teeth, buckle up. Replace these with lots of water and unsweetened fresh fruit juices. Make it a habit to rinse your mouth thoroughly after the sip!


















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