Soda is not something we recommend you consume more often than a once-in-awhile treat.
Here’s why:
Sugar:
Soda has a very high sugar content. Some sodas can contain 10 or more teaspoons of sugar per 12 oz. can! The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed off of sugar and excrete acid. This is what causes tooth decay.
The more sugar our teeth have to interact with, the more prone to decay they will be.
Acid:
Think diet soda is a better alternative? Even though it does not contain sugar, it still contains acids such as phosphoric acid or citric acid.
The acid eats away at a tooth’s enamel and leaves it more prone to decay.
Colors:
The artificial colors (Caramel color, Yellow #5, etc.) used in soda contribute to staining your teeth.
Instead of soda, we recommend spicing up your daily beverages with other alternatives. Some options include sparkling water or plain water infused with fresh fruit.
When you do drink soda, make sure to rinse with water afterwards. And, as always, keep up with regular brushing and flossing to protect your teeth!
