Why Is Coca-Cola Bad for Teeth?
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Bacteria
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Cola and other carbonated drinks cause harmful bacteria to grow in the mouth. Although good bacteria are needed to break down the proteins in the foods we eat, too many bacteria can cause problems. Dissolved carbon dioxide is what gives soda beverages that popular fizz. When the gas is dissolved in water, it forms carbonic acid. Since bacteria are anaerobic, they thrive in environments with little or no oxygen. Bacteria use sugar for energy, after which the sugar becomes plaque, enabling bacteria to stick to tooth enamel, causing cavities over time.
Sugar
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While all sugars have some blame in contributing to tooth decay, in recent years, there has been particular concern about the increased consumption of soft drinks. However, major cola companies make the point that since the sugar in soft drinks is in liquid form, it passes through the mouth quickly so that it does not stick to the teeth. But the fact is that the sugar in cola enters the bloodstream faster as well, eventually affecting the body's production of insulin, putting individuals at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes. There are a number of other health risks associated with drinking cola including increased risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. When it comes to nutritional value, the high sugar content found in carbonated soft drinks contains no nutrients and adds lots of empty calories to the diet. While drinking one cola a day may not necessarily be harmful, the problem is that many people, especially teens, consume too many soft drinks.
Acid
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The phosphoric and citric acids in colas are blamed for wearing away tooth enamel and weakening teeth, allowing sugar to harm teeth even more. This is a special concern since tooth enamel cannot be restored. Again cola companies take the position that teeth are exposed to the acid in carbonated soda beverages for only a short time. Other acidic beverages, including orange juice, can have the same effects on teeth. Not to say that drinking soda is good for you, but according to the Academy of General Dentistry, some studies found that certain non-cola beverages are three to 11 times more likely than carbonated colas to cause damage to the teeth. Researchers point out that energy drinks and sports drinks erode tooth enamel at a much faster rate than cola drinks.
Stains
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A number of different foods and beverages, including cola drinks, can stain and discolor the teeth. Sugar and high fructose corn syrup used to sweeten colas can turn teeth a yellow or brown color. The artificial coloring in cola also contributes to yellow teeth, not to mention the caffeine in cola that can cause a stain build up on teeth. Drinking cold colas makes teeth even more susceptible to staining. Dentists recommend drinking cola through a straw to help minimize the effect.
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