Carbonated Drinks and Dental Health

Carbonated drinks, which are made by saturating sugary water with carbon dioxide gas, provide little to no nutrients except for sodium.

Carbonated and sugary drinks can cause serious problems in the mouth. The acids and acid-like substances in these drinks soften tooth enamel and lead to cavities. We can lose teeth as a result of the enamel layer becoming weakened due to improper brushing and other factors. While sugary and carbonated drinks cause fewer cavities than sugar-free carbonated drinks, they still contribute to tooth decay because of the gas content. Unfortunately, carbonated drink consumption is steadily increasing. It is now widely known that carbonated drinks with a pH level around 3 can cause tooth decay.

No research has been published suggesting that carbonated drinks are beneficial to health. While carbonated drinks do not directly and dangerously impact health in the same way cigarettes do, they are not harmless. A bottle of carbonated drink typically provides around 90 calories.

In the United States, the consumption of nearly 100,000 soft drinks has significantly risen across all age groups, especially among children. The issue is so serious that health authorities, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, have started warning about the dangers of these drinks. School-age children now consume at least one soft drink per day, and at least one in five children consumes four or more bottles per day. For some young people, this number can reach an average of 12 per day.

Not only children but also adults are at risk. Long-term consumption of soft drinks has a cumulative effect on tooth enamel.

What can be done to reduce the harms of soft drinks?

• Rinse your mouth with water: After drinking a carbonated beverage, rinse your mouth with water to remove traces of the drink and reduce the time the enamel is exposed to acids.

• Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash: Brush your teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as fluoride helps reduce tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel. Rinsing your mouth with fluoride mouthwash can also provide additional protection.

• Have alternative drinks at home: Stock up on healthier alternatives such as water, milk, or 100% fruit juice.