We have gotten a taste of summer, and soon it will be in full swing. A mistake many people make during hot summer days is to grab for a soda or iced tea to quench thirst rather than water. These drinks are not only high in calories, but the sugars inside are damaging to the enamel of your teeth.
Approximately 27 percent of beverages consumed by Americans are soft drinks, with the 12- to 19-year-old age group drinking an average of 28 ounces a day. This number continues to rise, giving $50 billion to the industry each year.
The average 12-ounce can of soda contains around 10 teaspoons of sugar, so it should come as no surprise that these drinks are bad for your teeth! A study exposed dental enamel to several different beverages over a 14-day period, and found that iced tea and non-colas were especially harmful, due to the aggressive acids they contain. Repeated exposure of soda over a long period of time will increase your risk for cavities and tooth decay.
You don't need to completely cut soft drinks out of your life, but enjoying them in moderation will be better for you in the long run. Sipping through a straw will limit the amount of soda that comes into contact with your teeth. If possible, rinse your mouth with water after drinking a soft drink, and use a fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Courtesy of Know Your Teeth
