Effects of Drinking Too Much Soda on the Teeth

Excessive soda consumption can be one of the worst things you do to your teeth, and a study from the Academy of General Dentistry has the evidence to back it up. Drinking large amounts of soda can be just as bad for your dental health as methamphetamine and crack cocaine use. Researchers noted similarities between soda and illegal drugs when looking at the process of tooth erosion. Erosion is the process by which the enamel of the tooth is broken down, and the tooth becomes more susceptible to sensitivity, stains, and fractures.

The study compared the dental damage of three individuals. One person drank two liters of diet soda every day for three to five years, another person took meth for three years, and the last individual had an 18-year history of crack cocaine use. Each person experienced extreme tooth erosion caused by the high acid levels in each of the three substances. Meth contains extremely corrosive materials such as battery acid, lantern fuel, and drain cleaner. Crack cocaine is highly acidic as well, and soda is just as harmful to teeth as these two substances.

Even diet soda is extremely harmful to teeth. It may have less sugar than regular sodas, but it contains chemicals to replicate the sweet taste. Our dentists recommend that soda should be consumed in moderation. If you do drink soda, you can reduce its effects by immediately rinsing your mouth out with water afterward or by chewing sugarless gum. If you have any concerns about your diet, talk to your dentist.