Soda spells double trouble because it attacks your teeth in two ways at once. The sugar feeds the plaque bacteria that cause cavities and inflame the gums, and the acids in soda soften and wear away tooth enamel directly. Diet soda removes most of the sugar but not the acid, so it still carries part of the risk. You don’t have to give up soda completely to protect your smile, but how often you drink it, and how, makes a real difference.
This article explains what soda does to enamel and gums, how other popular drinks compare, the signs of soda damage to watch for, and how the Timonium office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS helps protect teeth and gums without fluoride.
Trouble number one: sugar
Sugar feeds plaque bacteria
The bacteria in plaque use sugar for fuel and produce acid as a by-product. That acid pulls minerals out of enamel and, over time, can lead to cavities. Every sip of a sugary drink restarts the process, which is why sipping one soda slowly over an afternoon can be harder on teeth than drinking it with a meal.
Sugar and your gums
More sugar means more plaque, and plaque along the gumline is what irritates the gums and starts gum disease. A diet heavy in sugary drinks makes it harder to keep plaque under control, especially if you already have bleeding or puffy gums. Plaque is the main cause of gum disease, and periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. See gum disease risk factors.
Trouble number two: acid
Acid softens enamel
Most sodas contain acids, such as phosphoric acid or citric acid, that soften the surface of your enamel on contact. This happens whether or not the drink contains sugar. Repeated exposure can wear enamel away, a process called erosion, and lost enamel doesn’t grow back.
Why diet soda isn’t a free pass
Switching to diet soda cuts out the sugar that feeds bacteria, which helps. But diet sodas are still acidic, so they can still contribute to enamel erosion. Think of diet soda as less risky, not risk-free.
How other drinks compare
- Regular soda: sugar and acid together, the double trouble in the title.
- Diet soda: little or no sugar, but still acidic.
- Sports and energy drinks: often both sugary and acidic, and easy to sip over long periods.
- Fruit juice and sweet tea: can be high in sugar, and many juices are acidic too.
- Sparkling water: unsweetened versions are a far better choice than soda, though flavored varieties can add acid.
- Plain water: the best everyday drink for teeth and gums, and a useful rinse after anything else.
Signs soda may be affecting your teeth
- Sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods and drinks
- Teeth that look more yellow as enamel thins
- Edges of the front teeth that look thin or slightly see-through
- New cavities, especially near the gumline
- Staining that builds up over time
- Gums that bleed or look puffy
Sensitivity has other causes too; read sensitive teeth causes and treatment. If sweets make one tooth hurt, see why sugary treats can hurt your teeth.
Children and teens
Soda habits often start young, and children and teens can be heavy users of soda, sports drinks and energy drinks. Helping kids choose water or milk most of the time, and saving soda for occasional treats with a meal, protects developing smiles. For more on protecting children’s teeth, read how to prevent cavities in children.
How to drink soda with less damage
If you aren’t ready to give soda up, these habits reduce the harm:
- Drink it with a meal. Saliva flow increases while you eat, which helps rinse away sugar and neutralize acid.
- Don’t sip all day. Finishing a drink in one sitting limits how many times your teeth are exposed.
- Use a straw. A straw can help limit contact with the front teeth.
- Rinse with water afterward. A drink of water helps wash sugar and acid off your teeth.
- Wait before you brush. Enamel is softer right after an acidic drink, so give it time to recover rather than brushing immediately.
- Skip soda at bedtime. Saliva slows during sleep, so sugar and acid linger longer.
- Keep up your cleanings. Regular visits catch early erosion, decay and gum inflammation.
How the practice helps protect teeth and gums
Finding damage early
DIAGNOdent is a laser that can detect even small amounts of decay at the earliest stages, sometimes before it shows on an X-ray, and digital X-rays and intraoral cameras let you see what the team sees. Learn more about dental technology in the office.
Strengthening enamel without fluoride
The practice avoids fluoride. Calcium rebuilding treatments are offered instead to help strengthen enamel for patients of all ages, and xylitol mints and lollipops help reduce decay risk.
Super sealants
Super sealants completely seal the chewing surfaces and the pits and fissures of adult and children’s teeth, so bacterial by-products and simple sugars can’t collect there. The process is simple and painless, and the practice offers a lifetime warranty.
Hour-long cleanings and gum care
Cleaning appointments are a full 60 minutes, and the hygienists check your gums with careful measurements. If gum disease is found, 98 percent of the practice’s periodontal therapy is non-surgical. See effective gum disease treatment.
Repairing damage
Cavities are filled with tooth-colored, mercury-free composite matched to your teeth and completed in a single visit. If soda has stained your smile, teeth whitening can help once your teeth and gums are healthy.
Paying for your care
The practice is out of network with all dental insurance providers. You pay at the time of your visit, and the office files the claim on your behalf so your plan can reimburse you for whatever it covers. Health savings and flex plans are welcome, and financing is available through CareCredit, with no-interest options for up to 12 months, and Cherry, with plans from 3 to 24 months. See financing options.
Frequently asked questions
Is diet soda bad for your teeth?
Diet soda is less harmful than regular soda because it has little or no sugar, but it is still acidic, and acid can soften and wear away enamel.
Can soda cause gum disease?
Soda doesn’t cause gum disease on its own, but frequent sugar feeds the plaque bacteria that inflame the gums. Combined with plaque left on the teeth, it can make gum disease more likely.
Should I brush my teeth right after drinking soda?
It is better to rinse with water first and wait a while. Acid softens enamel temporarily, and brushing right away can wear the softened surface.
Can enamel damaged by soda be repaired?
Lost enamel doesn’t grow back, but early weakening can be helped with non-fluoride calcium rebuilding treatments, and damaged areas can be restored with tooth-colored fillings or other restorations.
Protect your teeth and gums with a visit in Timonium
If you drink soda often, a checkup can show whether it is affecting your enamel or gums, and what to do about it. Request an appointment or call (410) 453-9399. The office of Dr. Steven W. Haywood, DDS is at 108 W Timonium Rd, Ste 200, Timonium, MD 21093, serving Timonium, Towson, Pikesville, Baltimore and the surrounding communities. Learn more about gum disease treatment in Timonium.
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Worried soda is wearing down your smile? Book a checkup in Timonium.
