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Fizzy drinks and teeth

In this article, we will look at the relationship between the two. Most people know or at least are aware that fizzy drinks are not good for teeth, but with so many options now on the market (including diet / zero sugar varieties) it can be easy to get confused or perhaps led up the wrong path on this subject

While fizzy drinks may taste good, they are damaging for your teeth. That is the bottom line – there is no getting away from that. Of course, life wouldn’t be worth living if we didn’t do what we wanted or had pleasures (including food and drink) every now and then. However, there are some important things to be aware of which simply a lot of people are not what it comes to fizzy drinks and teeth problems.

Most fizzy drinks contain many ingredients which ‘attack’ the teeth. This is not the primary aim of course, but it is the result. Most people think that swapping from sugar to sugar free varieties will get around the problems associated. This is only half true. The problem with fizzy drinks is the chemical composition of the liquid itself, just as much as the sugar that is in it. In other words, diet fizzy drinks are equally as bad for your teeth even if they are a bit easier on the waist.

Sugar aside, the common feature in all fizzy drinks is citric acid. As the name suggests it is very acidic (around pH 2 in its purest form, but don’t worry, it is diluted somewhat to make it safe for human consumption.) That said it is still an acid and will start to disintegrate teeth if it encounters the precious enamel.  If you increase your uptake of drinking fizzy drinks, you are exposing yourself to this kind of damage which can and may lead to oral problems. We have all heard or seen what paint stripper does to paint. Although much less dramatic, the principle is similar here.

As far as sugar in fizzy drinks is concerned this is considered somewhat of a double whammy when the above is taken account of too. When an amount of sugar is in the mouth, it gets broken down my bacteria which causes acid. Similar to the above, the more you drink sugary fizzy drinks, the more this happens. The result is somewhat of a double onslaught attack here, which makes full sugar fizzy drinks much worse than diet ones. Remember though that we are advocating that all fizzy drinks are bad for teeth!

The answer? Stop drinking fizzy drinks! We accept that this is perhaps impossible and unrealistic practically, so what is the sensible answer? Being aware of the above facts and information is a good first step. Chances are that this probably concerns you a little and will be the catalyst you need for you to reduce your intake of fizzy drinks. Like with anything, moderation is the key and getting the balance right between limiting damage and having pleasure is the ultimate destination.

One Tip: Try drinking fizzy drinks through a straw rather than normally through a glass. The liquid can bypass the teeth to some extent, helping the problem a little.

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