Maybe you know it as soda, or maybe even pop? How ever you may identify a sugary, carbonated drink they can cause serious oral health issues. Dr. Louie, the best Dentist in Los Angeles has seen an increase of patients with erosion of the tooth enamel (protective layer of the tooth). Carbonated drinks also contain acid that eat away enamel, once enamel is gone it will not grow back. It has become one of the most effective sources of tooth decay. Targeting people of all ages, some teenagers drink as many as 13 soft drinks daily and the average American up to 45 gallons a year!

Carbonated drinks can contain over 11 teaspoons of sugar per 12 oz can! You will be prone to have dental decay and dental erosion as you continue to drink soft drinks on a daily basis. Students who sip on soda all day while studying are main targets for tooth decay. When soda is consumed in a long period of time your teeth are actually being bathed in acid!

What to do?

Dr. Louie, your LA dentist, suggests you don’t consume soda at all but he has some tips for patients who continue to drink it.

Don’t drink soda throughout the day
Limit consumption of soda to meal time
Brush afterwards—toothpaste with fluoride and use mouth rinse
Rinse with water if brushing is not possible.
Get professionally applied fluoride treatment: Dr. Louie can apply fluoride in gel form.

“Tooth sensitivity can become a lifetime problem, solution can be a mouth full of crowns.” Dr. Louie said “That’s harsh to the pockets, especially if there’s a solution to this and that’s limiting and possibly not drinking soda at all. By practicing good oral hygiene and with our help, you can counteract their effect and enjoy better oral health.” Depending on consumption of soda, the erosion process can be extreme.

What are the triggers for sensitivity?

Hot and cold drinks, even cold air can reach the tooth’s nerve and cause pain. Can you imagine that? Not being able to enjoy the food you love or even a specific kind of weather. We hope this information will help with your oral health, please feel free to ask us questions!