Nearly everyone knows that if something tastes good, it's probably bad for you, and soda is no exception. Unfortunately, soda isn't just bad for your waistline. Most sodas are loaded with sugar and caffeine, and can therefore become very addictive. Habitually drinking large quantities of soda can take its toll on your body over time, and is especially bad for your teeth.
How Can Soda Addiction Damage Your Teeth?
Most know that foods and drinks with high sugar content are bad for our teeth, and most popular soda brands contain enormous amounts of sugar. This sugar is the perfect food source for harmful bacteria in your mouth.
When bacteria consume sugar, they produce highly acidic substances, which react chemically with the protective enamel coatings of your teeth. Soda itself is also very acidic, which is why you can use it to clean pennies and other metal objects.
Over time, this combination of strong acids will erode your tooth enamel, and the protective layer will become thinner and more fragile. As enamel gets thinner, it becomes more vulnerable to tooth decay, as well as cracks and chips caused by physical damage. Enamel erosion also leaves the nerves inside your teeth more exposed to hot and cold temperatures, so your teeth may become very sensitive.
You might think that sugar-free diet sodas are a safer option. Unfortunately, diet sodas are still highly acidic and will erode your tooth enamel over time if you become addicted to them. Some diet sodas also contain sugar substitutes that can be consumed by bacteria. These sugar substitutes may be less calorific, but they can be just as bad for your teeth as the real thing.
Soda addiction can also cause cosmetic issues with your teeth. Many types of soda, such as colas, contain powerful food colorings, which can permanently stain tooth enamel. Enamel erosion will make tooth discoloration more likely because enamel becomes more porous and absorbent as it erodes.
How Can Veneers Restore Your Teeth?
It is always a good idea to conquer your carbonated cravings and kick your soda addiction, but if you have been drinking a lot of soda for a long time, your teeth may already be worse for wear. If your teeth are decayed, discolored, or sensitive, having porcelain veneers fitted can be an effective and long-lasting way to protect your teeth and restore your smile.
Dental veneers are essentially hollow, prosthetic teeth, which are slotted over your damaged natural teeth. To fit veneers, your cosmetic dentist will shave away a small amount of enamel, shrinking the teeth so they will fit inside the veneers. The veneers are then fitted and fixed in place with strong, long-lasting adhesives.
Veneers are ideal for fixing dental damage caused by soda addiction because they cover all bases. They provide a physical barrier for your weakened teeth, protecting them from further damage and reducing any sensitivity. They will completely hide any chips, cracks, decay, or discoloration. High-quality veneers also look virtually identical to natural, healthy teeth, and can make your smile look better than it ever has before.
For more information about veneers, reach out to a local clinic.
Share17 August 2023
My son was outside playing with some friends when he accidentally fell down and hit his mouth on the sidewalk. The fall knocked out his front tooth, so I immediately placed the tooth in a small jar and added some milk. I rushed my son to the dental clinic and the dentist immediately took us into the examination room. The dentist placed the tooth back into the socket and saved it. My name is Beverly Tillman and thanks to the quick work of the dentist, my son didn't lose his tooth. Since this was a scary time for me and my son, I wanted to write this blog as a source of information for other parents who are facing a dental emergency. First of all, don't panic and get to your dentist as soon as possible. I hope this blog will help to answer your questions about dental emergencies.