McLean Dentist
McLean Dentist | Your diet can impact your oral health. This is due to the fact that certain foods and beverages can influence the occurrence of dental and gum issues. For instance, soda and acidic beverages are known to affect oral health. Even the sugar-free or “diet” versions are just as bad and should be avoided.
My McLean Dentist advises patients to reduce or even eliminate these beverages from their diet. Doing so will help protect the teeth and gums from common issues such as decay. Learn more about why you should avoid these beverages below.
Why Are Diet Soda and Acidic Beverages Bad for Teeth?
Consuming diet soda and acidic beverages is never recommended. These drinks are known to cause dental issues that can lead to tooth loss. As part of our goal to educate our patients, My McLean Dentist has highlighted the main reasons why you should avoid these beverage choices.
Acidic Content
Diet soda and acidic beverages contain acid which damages the enamel. In short, tooth enamel is the outer surface of the tooth. When the enamel is damaged or wears down, it cannot repair itself. A dentist will then need to discuss your options to restore the affected tooth.
Most, if not everyone, can identify diet soda. But what constitutes an acidic beverage? They include lemonade, orange juice, pineapple juice, and apple juice to name a few. Although these drinks may be delicious, it’s important to consume them in moderation or not drink them at all. Instead, choose water. Water is the best form of hydration and naturally flushes away harmful bacteria and food particles from teeth.
Common Issues
Diet soda and acidic beverages are known to cause tooth sensitivity, decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. These issues require a unique approach to correct in order to restore a patient’s smile. For example, decay may require a dental filling or root canal depending on the severity.
In addition, issues such as gum disease have been connected with health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and more. Needless to say, maintaining good dental health is vital. Why not start by avoiding diet soda and acidic beverages?
Preventive Measures
Although avoiding these drinks is the ideal goal, some may choose to simply reduce their consumption. Consider the following tips to protect your smile.
- After consuming these drinks, rinse your mouth with water at least one hour before brushing your teeth. Or, drink plenty of water after consumption. This helps wash away the drink and prevent the enamel from wearing.
- Try to limit your intake by not purchasing these drinks. That way if you are at a restaurant or gathering, an occasional diet soda or citrus drink will be okay. Just follow it with water.
- Maintain your routine dental visits with My McLean Dentist. Your routine dental exams and cleanings help detect issues early on and prevent new ones from forming. For instance, cavities are usually treated with a dental filling. If caught really early, cavities can be remineralized with fluoride treatments. However, left untreated, severe decay can occur and a root canal is often recommended.
Contact My McLean Dentist
My McLean Dentist believes in patient education and quality dental care. Learn how you can protect your smile by scheduling a consultation today. We offer an array of services designed for the entire family. Call 703-356-4822 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you soon.