Do You Know the Whole Truth about Soda?

Dental Care Warrensburg MOThere are quite a few suggestions about how we can take care of our teeth. Most people know to brush and floss and see the dentist. There is also reasonably widespread awareness about the damaging effects of sugar. Still, soda consumption continues to rise across all age categories. Soda doesn’t have to contain sugar to be hazardous to our health. Here, we expand on the knowledge that is already common to point out the whole truth about soda. This beverage is particularly impactful during the teen years, so make sure you read to the end.

The information that has recently been revealed stems from a report found in the journal of the Academy of General Dentistry. In the journal, it was stated that teens have a particularly high risk not only for tooth decay and infection but also for bone fractures, both resulting from their average lifestyle.

Is the lifestyle of today’s teen all that bad? We wouldn’t think so because the transition that has occurred has taken place over decades of time. When we look at the pace of life lived today and compare it to teens of previous generations, though, we see a notable difference. Teens are busier today than ever. They’ve got school and homework and jobs and college prep and hobbies and so much more. This spells trouble for regular dietary habits.

In short, teens are more likely to consume fast food and soft drinks. Fast food is its own topic. Here, we are going to look more closely at why soda doesn’t serve the teenage body well. It may not be what you think.

Soda isn’t good for any person. This is because soda has acidic ingredients. While the acids in soda may be “safe for human consumption,” they certainly aren’t entirely safe for teeth, nor for bones. When we consume acidic soft drinks (and they all are), acid sits on enamel. Typically, enamel is as durable as bone, but it softens when it sits in an acidic wash. It doesn’t matter how old you are; soda will weaken your teeth. But there’s more.

When a child is between the ages of 9 and 18, bone growth is at its height, which means calcium is essential. The phosphoric acid in soft drinks depletes calcium absorption significantly enough for this common ingredient to be attributed with a higher instance of bone fractures in teen girls.

Knowing the whole truth about soda or any other everyday treat enables you to protect you and your family’s health and wellness better.

Ridgeview Family Dental has offices in Warrensburg and Oak Grove, where we support lifelong oral health with friendly care. Schedule your visit with us today.

Posted in: General Dentistry

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