Soda and Illegal Drugs Cause Similar Damage to Teeth: Acids Erode Enamel
Soda is a popular beverage with many people drink daily so it may be hard to hear that consuming soda in large quantities can be as damaging to your teeth as illegal drugs like crack cocaine and methamphetamine.
An article published in General Dentistry in the March/April 2013 issue discussed how abusive intake of soda can cause similar damage to your mouth as illegal drug use, citing the process of tooth erosion as the reason behind it. Tooth erosion occurs when the enamel, the protective layer on the outside of teeth, is worn away by acids. This process makes the teeth more susceptible to decay-causing bacteria.
The study that the General Dentistry article cited involved inspecting the mouths of an admitted meth user, a previous cocaine user, and an excessive diet soda drinker. All three admitted to not keeping regular visits at the dentist and having poor oral health. The researchers found the same type and severity of decay in each of the mouths from tooth erosion.
Citric acid, found in both regular and diet sodas, has already been known to cause tooth erosion. The substance, also found in methamphetamine, can be found in drain cleaner, battery acid, and lantern fuel.
If a person drinks two liters of either diet or regular soda a day for three to five years, the oral damage can be severe. The findings from this study helps support the idea that soda can be damaging to oral health.
It is recommended that patients cut down on soda intake and drink more water. Additionally, chewing sugar-free gum or rinsing the mouth with water after consumption of soda may also reduce your risk of decay related to soda intake. Both of these techniques increase the saliva flow and help return the mouth's pH to a more normal level.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130528122505.htm
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
No comments:
Post a Comment