Is this too much for my teeth?

Question

Generally I drink a can of coke a day, sometimes more, or another fizzy drink. I always brush my teeth before bed thoroughly, and on the morning, occasionally in between to freshen up. I know the damage drinking a lot of fizzy drinks can have on teeth, but mine aren't that bad really at the moment, in terms of cleanliness. Do I need to cut down on the amount of coke I drink for the sake of my teeth in the long run, or is it okay so long as I continue to clean them afterwards like I do now? Any sensible answers please, thanks a lot =]

Answer 1

It's hard to say whether or not a can of pop every day will cause damage to your teeth because everyone's teeth differ.  Some people may eat very small quantities of sugar and get cavities on a regular basis, while others may eat large quantities of sugar and never get cavities.  Only regular dental check-ups (every six months or as recommended by your dentist) can tell what kind of teeth you have.

In the end, you'll definitely want to stop drinking soda as regularly.  Plaque, the biofilm of bacteria that cause tooth decay, actually feed on sugar and are rather opportunistic.  But keep brushing your teeth regularly, flossing (every time after you brush), and rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash and you should be okay.

Answer 2

way 2 much

talk 2 ur dentist

Answer 3

Yes, a can of soda a day is way too much for your teeth.

You have to understand that people do not get cavity due to the sugar itself.

When the bacteria act on it. acid is produced as result of the fermentation. That acid in turn dissolves the enamel. That is how you get the cavities.

Any carbonated drink (soda or fuzzy water with effervescence) produces carbonic acid in your mouth.

So, basically your teeth are being subjected to "chemical peeling" everyday.

You WILL get cavities pretty soon. The problem will be that a bunch of cavities will start to appear all at once because of the repeated insult to the enamel.

WHAT TO DO WITHOUT ANY DELAY :

1. Try to cut back on the consumption of soda. You can try to drink only a little bit at a time.

2. I know most of the time once I open a can of soda I don't want to drink a little bit and then throw the rest out (yes, being a dentist I also drink soda, but I do it in moderation). There is a cool new device available to place on the soda cans to prevent the soda from turning flat. You can find out more information on that at http://www.snapcapp.com/  These are now being sold on eBay as well.

3. You can minimize the degree of damage to your teeth by using a straw instead of taking sips. There has been studies to prove that diverting the soda to the back of the mouth through straws can reduce the risk of decaying of teeth.

4. You can try to reduce the risk of getting cavities due to the damage that has taken place already by using the over-the-counter fluoride rinse "ACT". Brush and floss right after dinner, rinse with that and let it sit in your mouth. Do not rinse it out with water and go to bad that way. It tastes kind of weird but should provide protection against cavities.

5. If you have to drink a little bit soda, make sure you chase it with a lot of water. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Remember, you always have to make sure that the acid is getting neutralized.

ADDITIONAL FACTS:

a) You have to do the same with milk (produces lactic acid), orange juice (produces citric acid), any food with vinegar (acetic acid), etc. You cannot let any of these sit in your mouth for long.

b) Too much soda not only can cause renal stones, it has been shown to cause osteoporosis.

I hope these facts will help you make the right decision for yourself.

Answer 4

i'm really not sure whether or not you need to cut down on the drinks, but here's a quick tip for you:

drinking any kinds of fizzy drinks will soften your enamel, and if you brush your teeth right after a drink, the bristles of your toothbrush might really damage your enamel or break it down, and you need a strong enamel to protect your teeth.

sorry i couldn't really solve your problem, but i hope that helped. :)

Answer 5

i don't drink soda anymore......just because i'm afraid of getting a kidney stone.

some people i know have had them....they say it is worst then labor pains!! (child birth)

plus, soda & fizzy drinks stain your teeth, like coffee does.

so i'd say drink one maybe......twice a week.

i'm sure you can do it.

or atleast brush your teeth after everytime you drink a can of soda.

:)

Answer 6

Fizzy drinks such as coke does stain your teeth, if you're a lover of fizzy drinks, try something like fanta, or a fruit fizzy drink that won't harm your teeth, as much. Also, cut down on the sugar in fizzy drinks, try diet ones for a change!