Soda, “diet” soda, juice, sports drinks, energy drinks, sugary cocktails, sweet tea; all of these drinks can be a tooth’s worst enemy. They each contain large amounts of sugar; an obvious culprit of tooth decay. What most people don’t realize, is that sugary drinks also contain high levels of acid-which is every bit as damaging. The acid in a drink, combined with sugar and bacteria, “attacks” your teeth every time you take a sip. Each attack lasts for 20 minutes and starts over with each sip. That really puts things into perspective if you’re used to “sipping” all day. Here are some pointers to help combat this sugary drink fight:
- Drink more water
- Consume sugary drinks in moderation, if at all
- Sip sugary drinks through a straw so your teeth are less exposed
- Drink a sugary drink in one sitting, rather than over a long period of time
- Take a sip of water after consuming a sugary drink to help rinse out your mouth and dilute the sugars
- Never drink sugary drinks before bedtime
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss twice a day
- Visit Dr. James Voyles for your regular cleanings and preventative care