Acid vs. Smiles

There's an evil force lurking in your mouth, just itching to wreak havoc on your pearly whites. The force? Acid! Fizz! Soda! Before you take another sip, check out the "Four Worst Offenders."

Acid vs. Smiles
The Worst Offenders...
 

There is an evil force lurking in your mouth, just itching to wreak havoc on your smile. The force? Acid. And it’s everywhere, thanks to the regular bacteria living in our mouths. “The most harmful bacteria in the mouth is Streptococcus ‘Strep’ Mutans,” says Dr. Michael R. Thompson, DDS of Kierland Dental Center. “If mixed with sugar, in any form, Strep and other bacteria turn sugar into acid.”

According to Dr. Thompson, acid at a pH level of 5.5 or lower dissolves the hard minerals out of teeth, leading to rapid decay. “There are 12 or more spoonfuls of sugar, on average, in soda,” says Dr. Thompson. “This means that regular soda is essentially jet fuel for acid-making bacteria.” So, does that mean diet soda is okay? Not by a long shot. While there may not be any sugar in these drinks, there is certainly fizz.

Acid-causing bacteria get help from fizzy drinks, says Dr. Thompson, explaining that carbonation is created by pumping carbon dioxide into the recipe. Carbon dioxide ensures that every type of soda is filled with carbonic acid—the bacteria in our mouth doesn’t have to create damaging acid, it's already present within the drink.

Could anything make excessive soda more dangerous? Unfortunately, yes. Sugar and carbonic acid may be bad enough for tooth decay. But, if you like citrus-flavored sodas or tart drinks, you have a third problem.

Worst of the Worst:

1.Carbonated drinks with high sugar content (100+ calories in a 12 oz. container) and citric acids found in bubbly, clear sodas.

2.High sugar, carbonated soda with dark syrups. 

3.High sugar, non-carbonated sports drinks and iced tea drinks.

4.Low calorie, carbonated drinks like diet sodas or “zero” sodas.

It should also be noted that soda pop isn’t the only dark force in your mouth. “Anything that is sweet has sugar,  even the healthiest of items,” says Dr. Thompson. “In fact, one of the most dangerous things a mother can do is leave her child alone with a baby bottle full of something other than water.”

Babies tend to suck on bottles for long stretches of time. Even organic milks and juices will provide enough sugar to decay baby teeth. In addition, tart treats, sour hard-candies and soft-candies and even lemon wedges act the same in your mouth as citrus-flavored sodas—and for longer periods of time. As Dr. Thompson puts it, “It’s all about the acid.”

Proper Dental Hygiene:

1. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

2. Use a toothbrush that easily reaches all tooth surfaces, and is easy to hold.

3. Floss your teeth gently once a day.

4. Brush your tongue.

5. Eat a nutritious mix of food to help lower acid levels in the mouth.

6. Chew sugarless gum to increases saliva and help wash out food and acid.

7. Visit your dentist regularly, at least twice per year.
Source: American Dental Association

Alison Bailin Batz is a freelance writer in Phoenix as well as a senior account executive at HMA Public Relations.
Dr. Michael Thompson, DDS at Kierland Dental Center:
Office: 480.367.9400
www.KierlandDentalCenter.com 
www.Facebook.com/Kierland-Dental-Center

Alison Bailin is a public relations expert, public speaker, blogger and creative writer. As an HMA Public Relations senior account executive, Bailin has participated on award-winning accounts in the restaurant, real estate, retail, non-profit, professional services, governmental and healthcare fields. Bailin is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and is on the board of governors for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Rocky Mountain Chapter (NATAS) and helps plan the local Emmy Awards. Bailin has been with HMA Public Relations since 2004.

Follow Alison Bailin on Twitter
Link to Alison Bailin on LinkedIn
Find out more about Alison Bailin at http://www.hmapr.com

Comments