Colas: The Dental Connection!

On the east coast, carbonated beverages or colas are generally called sodas, in Arkansas they were usually called "Coke" and here in Oklahoma we refer to them as pop, but no matter what the label, these popular drinks can be the enemy of a healthy smile! While one glass might not hurt your teeth, drinking colas on a regular basis can do some real damage to your teeth.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reports that about half of the population in our country drink soda regularly, averaging 2.6 glasses each day.  That's a lot of soda considering the drinks are acidic, full of sugar, and have little or no nutritional value.  Although many people drink diet pop to avoid the sugar, it may surprise you to learn that it's actually the acidity of cola, NOT the sugar, which poses the biggest threat to your teeth.  Unfortunately, all pop has citric acid, which over time, repeated exposure to this acid in soda wears down tooth enamel, leaving teeth stained and less able to prevent cavities.

As enamel wears away, teeth can be discolored, take on a rough texture, and become highly sensitive to hot or cold.  Your teeth may start to tingle, and brushing and flossing can cause pain.  If not checked by dental care, teeth may start to erode, becoming thinner and more likely to crack. It's a pretty high price to pay for a glass of cola.

So other than completely avoiding colas all together, check out these tips on ways to lessen the acid impact on your teeth.

• Cut back on all acidic drinks
• Add more water to replace colas
• Use a straw when you drink
• Remember that diet colas are highly acidic
• Rinse your mouth with water after drinking a cola
• Do not brush your teeth immediately after drinking a cola
• Brushing too hard can weaken enamel that is already soaked in acid

If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT