If Mountain Dew is one of your favorite beverages, it may be time to reconsider your options. Mountain Dew, along with other sugary sodas and drinks, can be detrimental to your oral health and overall well-being. Dentists are seeing the horrible effects of Mountain Dew on some patients and hope that sharing its risks will help you avoid these serious dental issues. Here’s what you need to know about Mountain Dew and your dental health.
Sodas and Oral Health
Most people are well aware of the fact that soda is not good for their health. Excess soda consumption has been linked to obesity and diabetes. However, sodas are also bad for your teeth. Despite soda companies trying to claim that sodas are not harmful to people’s teeth, dentists are pushing back on this claim.
According to an article published by NPR.org1, Steven Ghareeb, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry, stated that sodas could cause substantial enamel erosion. Sodas can also lead to tooth decay because of their high sugar content.
The sugar inside of soda feeds bacteria in the mouth. When the sugar and bacteria combine, they make an acid that leads to enamel erosion. It is important to note that you cannot get your enamel back after it is gone.
Why Mountain Dew Is Worse Than Other Types of Soda
There is no such thing as a healthy soda. However, Mountain Dew is the worst type of soda that you can drink. Dentists stated that this beverage causes the teeth to decay at an astonishing rate. In fact, soda can be just as damaging to the teeth as meth2.
The sugar content is the main factor that makes Mountain Dew worse than other sodas. One serving of “The Dew” has 11 teaspoons of sugar. One serving of Coca Cola only has 9 grams of sugar, which is a lot already. Mountain Dew also has a lot of citric acid in it, which will soften your enamel.
Additionally, Mountain Dew has a pH level of 3.3. This level of acidity is enough to do some serious damage to your teeth. With that said, it’s best for you to avoid drinking any type of soda, but Mountain Dew in particular. You will also need to brush your teeth, floss, use mouthwash to fight off enamel loss and see your dentist regularly.
What Are Some Alternatives to Sodas?
If you love soda but are hoping to find a more healthy option, there are some alternatives for you. Of course, water is the best drink. It doesn’t have any sugar, and plain water won’t do any harm to your enamel. You can have carbonated water because it is a healthier alternative to soda. However, carbonated water can also damage your teeth. That is why it’s best for you to have carbonated water with a meal.
Green tea is another great alternative to sodas. A study published by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)3 showed that green tea can actually benefit your teeth and gums, in addition to other health benefits.
There are also several choices of water flavor enhancers on the market right now. This can make plain water more enticing to those who are used to the big flavors found in sodas. Available in liquid and powder versions, many of them also have added vitamins, which claim to help with energy levels and concentration. However, make sure these flavor enhancers do not have added sugar. This sugar can have the same effect on your teeth as sugary sodas.
What To Do After Soda Damages Your Teeth
If you’re experiencing damage to your teeth due to the consumption of Mountain Dew or other sodas, it’s not too late to get back on track. By visiting your dentist, you will get a better idea of the extent of the damage and how it can be fixed.
Most often, you may see tooth decay and cavities. You might also have missing teeth or are in need of a root canal or tooth extraction. Whatever your dental issues are, a dental professional is always ready to help. The hardest part is making the appointment.
Absolute Dental has dentists who specialize in emergency dentistry and cosmetic dentistry and can work with you to get your teeth feeling healthy and strong. We have several options, including dental implants, porcelain veneers, dentures and crowns, that will have you smiling with confidence again. Contact our team to learn about our Smile Saver program or payment plans.
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1 NPR. ‘Mountain Dew Mouth’ Is Destroying Appalachia’s Teeth, Critics Say. Retrieved 17 December 2020 from https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/09/12/221845853/mountain-dew-mouth-is-destroying-appalachias-teeth
2 NPR. ‘Soda Mouth’ Can Look a Lot Like ‘Meth Mouth’. Retrieved 17 December 2020 from https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/05/29/187050058/soda-mouth-can-look-a-lot-like-meth-mouth
3 American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Go Green for Healthy Teeth and Gums. Retrieved 17 December 2020 from https://www.perio.org/consumer/green-tea