When you drink diet drinks, you may consume fewer calories, but they are just as bad for tooth enamel as regular sugary soda.
Over the past 25 years, Kim McFarland, a dentist and assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Dentistry, has observed an increase in patients with erosion of the enamel, the protective layer of the tooth. After the onset of erosion, the tooth cannot be restored to its previous state, and the person remains with damaged enamel for life.
"And 25 years ago, I occasionally encountered the problem of erosion of the tooth enamel, but now it happens more often. Many young people drink large amounts of sugary carbonated drinks. It is not surprising that the sensitivity of their teeth increases," says the doctor McFarland.
Cold and hot drinks, even cold air get on the tooth nerve and cause pain. Depending on the frequency and amount of sugary carbonated drinks consumed, the degree of erosion may increase. Orthophosphoric and citric acid, which are typical ingredients in most popular drinks (including diet drinks), affect the pH balance in the mouth and lead to enamel erosion over time.
"Perhaps even more dangerous than caries, as damage leads to sensitivity of the teeth. In the case of caries, the dentist can put a seal, but the dentist will not be able to cope with the sensitivity of the tooth," explained Kim McFarland. - "Tooth sensitivity can become a big life problem, limiting a person in drinks, even food. Of course, you can put crowns on all teeth, but this solution is quite radical and very expensive. People with enamel erosion are painful to eat and drink cold and hot foods and drinks. Some of my patients complain that they try not to open their mouths outside at all in the winter, as the cold air causes pain,” says the doctor.
In addition to this, a large number of scientific studies show the relationship between the use of sugary carbonated drinks and enamel erosion, as well as caries.
Dr. McFarland's advice is to stop drinking sugary sodas altogether, and for those who can't live without sodas, she has some advice:
- limit sugary carbonated drinks before meals;
- don't drink sugary soda throughout the day;
- brushing teeth after drinking sweet soda - toothpaste remineralizes or strengthens areas of the tooth that have been weakened by acid;
- if you can't brush your teeth after each soda, rinse your mouth with water;
- chew sugar-free gum, or better yet chew gum with xylitol.
Source: estet-portal.com.
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