In the Know for You to Know
As a parent we’ve all been there. Whether we’re out and about or at the grocery store with our children, when they get thirsty they want something sweet. That sugary drink is soda.
It may seem to be okay to occasionally give in and let them have that soda. However, there are things for you to know and consider before saying yes to a soda.
What Is In Soda?
Soda is made from sugar and acids. Over time these 2 things lead to tooth decay (aka cavities).
This is why:
- High sugar content – feeds the bad bacteria in the mouth causing them to over grow which leads to cavities.
- Acids – the acids in soda make them fizzy, but also breaks down the tooth enamel. This leads to sensitivity and cavities.
Acids In Soda
Citric acid and phosphoric acid are 2 acids commonly found in soda, and they directly attack tooth enamel. Which leads to enamel break down and ultimately tooth decay.
How Soda Affects Teeth
Soda affects teeth in 1 significant way that leads to long term troubles.
Tooth Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of teeth that is there to protect teeth. Soda weakens and breaks down this protective layer causing:
- increased risk of generalized tooth damage,
- sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods and beverages,
- increased plaque buildup,
- developing generalized cavities.
Tooth Enamel Doesn’t Grow Back
What’s important to know is that tooth enamel doesn’t regenerate or grow back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
The issue is that this does not only affect 1 tooth. The sugar and acids melt away the tooth’s enamel by dissolving it until it isn’t there any more.
Remember the science experiment when you put a tooth in a plastic cup and poured soda over it? What you saw on day 1 was very different from what the tooth looked like at the end of the experiment.
What did you see at the end? A gnarly brown tooth with holes in it.
What The Science Says
Dental experts, including those at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have found that:
- Soda begins to wear down tooth enamel within 20 minutes of that first sip,
- Children who routinely drink soda have a higher rate of cavities.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA) agree. Together they put out a joint statement endorsing policies to reduce children’s consumption of sugar.
Cavities and tooth pain are the tip of the iceberg. The effects of drinking soda on a regular basis also set children up for other health problems as they get older.
Regular Or Diet Soda
Regular or diet soda doesn’t matter. They both do the same harm when it comes to teeth.
What To Remember
Knowing the consequences of why soda is bad for your children’s teeth helps you to make informed choices for your entire family.
Realistically your child is going to have a soda at a birthday party or holiday get together. After wards, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping up with their flossing and brushing.
Remember, preventing dental problems is easier than treating them.
Does your child have a favorite soda? How much sugar do you think there is in soda? Do you think soda is good to drink? How much soda do you think is okay for your child to drink? Do you think soda is bad for your children’s teeth? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
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