Think before you drink: limit soda pop to prevent sensitivity, enamel erosion

Natasha Watts of McCook grabs a quick pop at a gas station, before going to school. Watts said she tries to take care of her teeth and is not too worried about enamel erosion at this point, as she doesn't drink a lot of pop. Sometimes she'll buy one in the morning to get going, though, as she doesn't drink coffee and "I have two kids and go to school," she said. Lorri Sughroue/McCook Gazette

Think before you drink: Erosion of tooth enamel from soda pop is permanent

You may be saving calories by drinking diet soda, but when it comes to enamel erosion of your teeth, it's no better than regular soda.

In the last 25 years, Kim McFarland, D.D.S., associate professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln, has seen an increase in the number of dental patients with erosion of the tooth enamel -- the protective layer of the tooth. Once erosion occurs, it can't be reversed and affects people their whole life.

"I'd see erosion once in a while 25 years ago but I see much more prevalence nowadays," Dr. McFarland said. "A lot of young people drink massive quantities of soda. It's no surprise we're seeing more sensitivity."

Triggers like hot and cold drinks -- and even cold air -- reach the tooth's nerve and cause pain. Depending on the frequency and amount of soda consumed, the erosion process can be extreme.

She said according to the National Soft Drink Association, it's estimated the average American drinks 44 gallons of soda pop a year. Phosphoric and citric acid, which are common ingredients in many popular sodas and diet sodas, alters the pH balance in the mouth and can cause tooth erosion over time.

"It can be more harmful than cavities because the damage causes tooth sensitivity," Dr. McFarland said. "If a tooth is decayed a dentist can fix it by placing a filling, but if a tooth is sensitive there is really nothing a dentist can do.

"Tooth sensitivity can become a lifetime problem, limiting things we like to drink and even food choices. You could crown all your teeth but that is costly and a rather extreme solution," Dr. McFarland said.

"It hurts to consume cold and hot foods and beverages. Some of my patients tell me when they go outside in the winter they don't open their mouth or the cold air causes pain."

In addition, a significant number of scientific studies show a relationship between the consumption of soda and enamel erosion and cavities.

Dr. McFarland said it's best not to drink soda at all, but she offers tips for those who continue to drink it.

* Limit consumption of soda to meal time

* Don't drink soda throughout the day.

* Brush your teeth afterwards -- toothpaste re-mineralizes or strengthens areas where acid weakened the teeth.

* If tooth brushing is not possible, at least rinse out your mouth with water

* Chew sugar free gum or better yet, gum containing Xylitol

Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.