If you regularly drink sodas or other sweetened drinks, this can have a harmful effect on your smile and can increase your risk of cavities. Breaking habits can be hard, but focusing on preventive care and having good habits is important if you want to maintain a healthy and good looking smile. Reducing your soda intake as well as keeping regular professional dental cleanings with Dr. Mark Richardson in Kalamazoo, MI can prevent teeth decay and help you maintain great oral health.
There is a connection between soda and tooth decay. When the sugars of your soft drink interact with naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth, it produces acid that attacks the enamel and makes it more vulnerable to decay. This can cause cavities and erode the enamel of the teeth.
Tips for Protecting Your Teeth from Decay
Drinking a soda once in a while isn’t the end of the world, but try to limit how much soda you drink. It is better to reduce all soda consumption, but moderation is also important. You should reduce your soda intake to 2-3 per week or less. If you do end up drinking an occasional soda, it is best to drink it in one sitting rather than sipping soda throughout the day.
It’s especially important for children to avoid soda as much as possible, as the habits they develop early can affect their oral health down the line. It’s better and healthier to turn to water instead. Other low sugar alternatives include unsweetened tea, milk, or diluted juice.
Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily are important steps in keeping your smile healthy. In addition to avoiding excessive sugar and sweets in your diet and practicing good oral hygiene, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends seeing the dentist every six months for a dental exam and professional cleaning. Even with good oral health habits, regular dental visits are important in order to catch problems early.
Find a Dentist in Kalamazoo, MI
For more information about tooth decay prevention and treatment, contact our office by calling (269) 343-6907 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richardson today.