{"id":29,"date":"2017-09-25T16:16:15","date_gmt":"2017-09-25T16:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.centrecosmetic.com\/blog\/?p=29"},"modified":"2017-11-03T16:20:16","modified_gmt":"2017-11-03T16:20:16","slug":"tooth-decay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.centrecosmetic.com\/blog\/2017\/09\/25\/tooth-decay\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Favorite Fizzy Drinks Could Be Causing Tooth Decay!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"fizzyIt\u2019s finally lunchtime! You sit down, eager to dig into your delicious sandwich. First, though, you open your soda and revel in the hissing sound it makes as air escapes from your can of carbonated delight. But did you know that your fizzy drink habit could actually be contributing to tooth decay? Soda and other carbonated beverages, like seltzer water, are hard on your pearly whites. Your dentist explains why you should cut back on the fizz.<\/p>\n

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Carbonated Drinks Are Acidic<\/h2>\n

When manufacturers create carbonated drinks, they make the liquid fizzy by dissolving pressurized carbon dioxide in it. This process produces carbonic acid, meaning that most of these drinks have a pH of between 3 and 4 (although some have an even lower pH). To put this in perspective, consider that flat water is neutral, meaning that it has a pH of seven. The lower the pH, the more acidic a drink is.<\/p>\n

Carbonic acid isn\u2019t the only problem in fizzy drinks. Many of them also contain citric acid, which is used to give the flavor of the drinks a yummy hint of tartness.<\/p>\n

Together, these acids attack your tooth enamel, weakening it and perhaps even leading to cavities.<\/p>\n

Sugary Acidic Drinks Are Even Worse<\/h2>\n

All carbonated drinks, even diet soda and seltzer water, contain acid that can harm your smile. However, the sugar-free options aren\u2019t as dangerous as those that are packed full of sugar. A regular 12-oz can of soda may have up to 40 grams of the sweet stuff! Sugar can cling to your teeth and interact with the bacteria in your mouth, leading to plaque and acid that contribute to decay.<\/p>\n

How to Protect Your Teeth from Fizzy Drinks<\/h2>\n

The best way to shield your smile from the effects of carbonated drinks is to avoid them altogether. However, everyone likes to enjoy some fizzy refreshment once in a while. Here are some tips to help you protect your teeth when you\u2019re indulging in your favorite soda or seltzer water:<\/p>\n