Most of us enjoy a nice, cold soda from time to time. Of course, most things in moderation are okay, especially if you make it a point to brush your teeth afterward. However, sugary drinks, alongside candy, are among the leading causes of tooth decay. When you consume soda, residual bacteria is left in the mouth and produces acid, which, in turn, causes tooth decay, which eventually leads to cavities and other dental health problems. That is why it is generally best to avoid fructose, sucrose, and maltose. These sugars are consumed by bacteria and frequently produce very high levels of acid in the mouth. Unfortunately, this causes tooth enamel to dissolve quicker than saliva, an element that is critical in neutralizing acidity in the mouth.
That being said, soda and candy aren’t the only two culprits when it comes to tooth decay. Juices, which are generally deemed healthy, are often still very sugary and can lead to tooth decay, especially when you do not practice adequate dental hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing. If you are a parent, you should closely monitor the number of sweets your child consumes, including juice. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that natural juices consumed by children should be regulated and based on your child’s age. These guidelines are as follows:
- For a child who is less than one year old (or a child with abnormal weight gain): no juice whatsoever
- Ages 1-3: Up to 4 ounces per day
- Ages 4-6: Up to 6 ounces per day
- Ages 7-18: Up to 8 ounces per day
Though this may seem rather limiting, refraining from drinking sugary drinks can substantially benefit your dental health. Some of the safest drinks for tooth health include water or low/non-fat milk. As stated earlier, as long as you practice solid, daily dental hygiene, an occasional soda or other sugary drink should not be a cause for worry, especially if you are an adult. However, as dentists, we feel it necessary to warn the public of the potential risk associated with consuming these beverages. If you have any additional questions concerning potential cavities or your oral hygiene, please do not hesitate to call our experienced dental team and schedule an appointment. We are happy to help.
Contact the Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
Dental Associates of Basking Ridge is a compassionate, gentle, and professional state-of-the-art dental practice serving Basking Ridge, Morris & Somerset County. Our office is always ready to greet our patients with a smile, take the time to answer any questions, and provide the quality dental services our patients expect. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
