Soda consumption has increased dramatically over the past 40 years, much to the pleasure of the soda manufacturers, and so have the ill effects of its over consumption.
In fact, kids today consume way too much sugar (29 to 40tsp/day)! Teenagers are getting approximately 40% of their sugar calories from soft drinks; they are drinking less milk and getting less calcium!
Teens currently drink twice as much soda as milk when compared to twenty years ago. Studies have shown that teenage girls require 1300mg of calcium/day and may be only getting 800mg. Calcium is important for bone development up to the age of 18; lack of calcium can predispose one to osteoporosis and broken bones
When we eat or drink acidic foods and beverages, the acid initiates a chemical process that softens our tooth enamel and can lead to dental erosion.
Normally saliva neutralizes the acid, but if we keep swilling soda or snacking on fruit and yogurt, saliva can't keep up with the acid, and the possibility of erosion increases. By reducing your consumption of soft drinks, fruit juices, and sports drinks, we can help reduce erosion. Chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow or rinsing with water for 30 seconds can also help.
Using a fluoridated tooth paste and having fluoride treatments after your dental cleaning will help reduce cavities. If you have more questions about your teeth or want to come in for a dental cleaning, give us a call at Seattle Dental Associates. We would love to help care for your pearly whites.
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