Soda Pop Alert
Sugar Plus Acid Equals Double Trouble.
Almost everyone knows that the sugar in soda pop is bad for your teeth, but it is not commonly known that the acid content in both diet and non-diet pop compounds the trouble for your teeth. The acids directly attack tooth enamel leading to cavities.
Soda Pop And The Acid Connection.
The following chart profiles both acid and sugar. As you can see, pure water, at 7.00 (neutral) is the idea. Battery acid at 1.00 is an example of a liquid that is extremely acidic. Soda pop profiles between 4.61 and 2.49 which is closer on the scale to battery acid than to water.
Consider The Following:
- In addition to the acid already in these beverages, more acid is created as you are enjoying your (sugar) soda pop.
- Mouth bacteria are busy transforming sugar into yet more acid.
- Think your safe drinking diet? Unfortunately not, diet pop has plenty of acid in the beverage to cause cavities.
- The longer soda is in contact with your teeth, the higher the risk factor for cavities.
Personal Choices To Consider:
- Kick the pop habit.
- Switch to water
- If you continue to drink pop don’t sip. Keep the time soda is in contact with your teeth at a minimum.
- If you continue to drink pop, rinse with water or drink a glass of water after exposure.
Parents Can Help:
- Educate your child on the soda pop and cavities connection.
- Monitor their consumption of soda pop.
- Contact school boards and administrators to recommend removal or limiting of soda pop from beverage machines. and suggest dentally healthy alternatives.
Dr. Carol Austin Can Provide:
- Education on the effects of acids and sugars present in beverages…..to preserve your teeth.
- Preventative treatment such as check-ups, sealants and fluoride treatments…..to protect your teeth.
- Timely dental treatment…..to repair the damage from decay.