WHAT IS A SUGARY DRINK?
Sodas (including diet and sugar free sodas) Fruit drinksSports drinksEnergy drinksIced teasCoffee
HOW MUCH SUGAR?
20 oz. bottle of Mountain Dew: 77 grams of sugar
20 oz. bottle of Pepsi: 69 grams of sugar
20 oz. bottle of Coca-Cola: 65 grams of sugar
32 oz bottle of Gatorade and Powerade: 56 grams of sugar
16 oz can of Monster Energy: 54 grams of sugar
16 oz can of Red Bull: 52 grams of sugar
23 oz can of Arizona Green Tea: 51 grams of sugar
15.2 oz bottle of Minute Maid 100% Apple Juice: 49 grams of sugar
16 oz Dunkin Donuts Iced Caramel Latte: 37 grams of sugar
20 oz bottle of Lipton Lemon Iced Tea: 32 grams of sugar
15.2 oz bottle of Naked Berry Blast: 29 grams of sugar
16 oz bottle of Sunny Delight: 28 grams of sugar Grande
Starbucks Iced Flavored Latte with 2% milk: 28 grams of sugar
HOW DOES SUGAR CAUSE TOOTH DECAY?
When drinking a soda, the sugar in the soda combines with the bacteria existing in the mouth to form acid. The acid formed, plus the extra acid in the soda, begins to attack the teeth. These attacks last for about 20 minutes and begin every time a sip is taken. The continuous attacks wear down and dissolve the outer surface of teeth enamel, causing cavities to begin. The inner layers of the tooth become exposed resulting in heightened sensitivity. If tooth decay becomes serious, restorative dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, or implants may be required.
HOW DO I PREVENT DECAY?
At Liberty Family Dentistry, we recommend patients reduce their intake of sugary drinks and choose to drink water instead. However, if sugary drinks must be consumed, consider these tips:
Moderate intake
Drink it quickly
Do not drink before bed
Keep the drink cold
Use a straw to keep sugar away from teeth
Do not swish it around in your mouth
Finish your meal with milk, cheese, or chew sugar free gum to neutralize the acid
Drink fluoridated water
Rinse mouth out with water after consumption
Do not brush right away but wait about an hour for the enamel to re-harden.
Use a fluoride rinse
Schedule and attend regular dental exams
Sugary drinks are not good for teeth and overall oral health. The best way to prevent oral health issues caused by the intake of sugary drinks is to avoid them all together, but if that does not happen then moderation should occur. Always schedule and attend your regular dental exams to help prevent tooth decay and ensure it is treated properly. Click below to schedule your next exam with Liberty Family Dentistry.