“Soft” Drinks Can Be Hard on Teeth!
From a dental point of view, there’s nothing “soft” about so-called “soft drinks.” Many people recognize this‚ assume that it has to do with the sugar content of soft drinks‚ and figure that “diet” cola will save them from cavities. Unfortunately, both popular notions are inaccurate.
Sugar does not directly damage teeth. That happens when certain bacteria in the mouth release acids that eat into tooth enamel. These bacteria, however, need food to survive. Refined sugar is a very potent source. What you eat, they eat. If not eliminated promptly, they hang around to do their dirty work.
The real culprit in carbonated soft drinks is the “fizz” itself: carbonic acid. A sugary, uncarbonated drink like Kool-Aid is actually easier on teeth than, say, Diet Pepsi.
Does this mean you have to eliminate soft drinks entirely? Of course not. But keep an eye on how much and how often you drink. After drinking, if the residue remains in contact with your teeth for long periods of time, you’re setting up an environment that could lead to trouble.
