Most of us are careful about the amount of sugar we consume and know to avoid candy, cookies and other sweets, but did you know that sugar in ANY form is harmful to tooth enamel? In fact, sugary drinks, soda, citrus juices, and even sparkling water can have more sugar than candy and sweets and can be very damaging to your teeth.
You’ve probably seen Life Hacks on social media that teach you how to clean almost anything. One of the hacks uses cola to clean the corrosion from your car battery. Acidity in soda has a similar effect on tooth enamel, and constant consumption of soft drinks is a leading cause of tooth decay.
This doesn’t mean you should never drink soda, but moderation is the key.
The Wisconsin Dental Association coined the phrase, “Sip All Day, Get Decay”. This is more than a clever slogan, it is the truth. The following are some suggestions to help you avoid decay:
DO
DON’T
Are you concerned about the health of your teeth? Contact Mountain Aire Dentistry to set up a dental checkup and let Dr. Chris Bockrath examine your teeth.
Although it sounds like we are picking on soda, there are many drinks that will damage your tooth enamel.
What is the bottom line? Substitute water for sugary drinks as often as possible; it’s good for your overall health and for the health of your mouth, teeth and gums. Water helps rinse food debris from your mouth and keeps your saliva levels high. Saliva is 95% water and 5% minerals and proteins that neutralize enamel-eating acids and is your mouth’s best defense against tooth decay. Do yourself a favor and stay hydrated if you want to avoid unnecessary cavities.
Milk is also a good choice in beverages. Your teeth get stronger and healthier when you drink milk because it contains calcium. Calcium helps protect your teeth against periodontal disease and keeps your jaw bone healthy and strong.
You can periodically treat yourself to a different beverage but following these guidelines will help prevent damage to your tooth enamel.
Regular dental check-ups every six months, along with good nutrition will help maintain your oral health. Give our office a call at (303) 731-7755 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Bockrath, at Mountain Aire Dentistry. Dr. Bockrath and his friendly staff proudly serve Erie, Superior, Thornton, Lafayette, and the greater Broomfield and Westminster, Colorado areas. They offer a wide variety of services for the whole family and want to give you a reason to smile.
When you visit our Broomfield dental office, your smile is our top priority. Our Dentists invite you to experience the difference a warm and caring team can provide for you and your family. Enjoy a unique and comfortable dental experience designed to bring a healthier and happier smile back into your life. We invite you to call or visit our Broomfield dental office and discover the exceptional difference we offer to those we serve.