The True Cost of Soda

May 13, 2022

Many people occasionally enjoy a soda at the movies, while others indulge in a soft drink at every meal. Before you crack open your next can of soda, you may want to learn more about how these bubbly beverages affect your oral health. 


The average 12 oz can of soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar. When this sugar interacts with the bacteria in the mouth, it forms an acid that attacks the teeth. Then, it takes approximately 20 minutes after you finish your drink for your mouth to neutralize the acid. Therefore, if you sip on a soda for a few hours, your teeth will be under constant attack. Drinking soda like this often can lead to enamel erosion and cavities. 


Erosion: Enamel is the strong outer coating of teeth. Enamel protects your teeth while you bite and chew. However, once the enamel wears away, it cannot grow back, making the teeth more susceptible to decay and damage. The acid your mouth creates from the sugar in soft drinks slowly erodes the enamel leaving the teeth weaker. Plus, most sodas contain phosphoric acid and citric acid, which also cause erosion. 


Cavities: Drinking soda regularly puts people at a high risk of tooth decay. People who drink three sodas a day on average have 62% more tooth decay than people who don’t drink soda. Not only does soda weaken the enamel, but it also encourages bacteria growth in your mouth, putting individuals at a higher risk for cavities. 


But What About Diet Soda?


You may be wondering if diet soda has the same negative effects because it doesn’t have any sugar. Just like regular soda, many diet sodas contain phosphoric acid and citric acid. To put in perspective how acidic diet soda can be: battery acid has a pH level of 1.0, pure water has a pH level of 7.0, and diet soda can have a pH level as low as 3.0. Frequent exposure to these acidic diet sodas can cause significant damage to your smile over time. 


It is best to avoid all soda to keep your smile in tip-top shape. However, if you do choose to treat yourself, follow these easy tips to lessen the negative effects of soda: 


Finish It in One Sitting: If you want to indulge in a soft drink, drink the soda fast rather than sipping on it throughout the day to lessen your exposure to the acid and sugar in soda. 


Use a Straw: using a straw helps deliver the soft drink to the back of your mouth, which lessens the direct exposure to acid and sugar. 


Rinse Mouth Out After: When you finish your soda, wash your mouth out with mouthwash or water. This will rinse away the excess sugar and acid and minimize damage. 


Brush Teeth a Half-Hour After You Finish: You may think that brushing your teeth automatically after indulging in a soft drink will prevent any damage to your teeth, but it actually can inflict further damage. Since your teeth are vulnerable after the acid attack from the sugar, the excess friction from brushing your teeth can further hurt the enamel. It is best to wait about 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth.


Don’t Consume Before Sleeping: Having a soda before bed will leave sugar on your teeth for hours, providing the perfect opportunity for it to eat away at your enamel. The sugar in the soda may also keep you awake for longer. 


Drink With Food: When you eat, you produce more saliva, which will help break down the acid and wash away excess sugar.


It is okay to partake in soda every once in a while, but try to avoid drinking soda regularly. Excellent oral hygiene can minimize the harm from soda. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and stay up on your dental cleanings and exams to maintain a healthy smile.

Aligners in 2026: Why This Is a Great Year to Straighten Your Smile

By Sondra Brady • January 30, 2026
A new year brings fresh opportunities — new goals, new routines, and for many adults, a renewed focus on confidence and self-care. If you’ve ever thought about straightening your teeth, 2026 may be the perfect time to finally make that transformation happen. Clear aligners have become one of the most popular treatment options for adults because they fit naturally into busy lives, offering comfort, flexibility, and discreet results. Whether you’ve been thinking about orthodontics for years or you’re just beginning to explore your options, here’s why 2026 is shaping up to be an ideal year to start your smile-straightening journey.

Why You Should Replace Your Toothbrush in January

By Sondra Brady • January 21, 2026
As we step into a new year, many people make resolutions to improve their health and daily routines. One simple change that can make a big impact on your oral health? Starting January with a fresh toothbrush. It’s an easy habit to remember — and one that sets your smile up for success all year long. 

Stress, Clenching, and Grinding: Why Your Teeth Need Attention After the Holidays

By Sondra Brady • January 16, 2026
The holiday season is filled with celebration, fun, and family time — but it can also bring its fair share of stress. Between travel, hosting, gift planning, and a packed schedule, it’s no surprise that many people unknowingly carry tension into the new year. And one of the first places that tension shows up? Your jaw and your teeth. If you’ve recently noticed jaw soreness, morning headaches, tight facial muscles, or tooth sensitivity, you may be experiencing the after-effects of clenching or grinding — also known as bruxism. The weeks following the holidays are one of the most common times patients begin to feel these symptoms, making January a critical month for paying attention to your oral health.

Is This the Year You Finally Transform Your Smile? Cosmetic Dentistry Options Explained

By Sondra Brady • January 8, 2026
With a new year comes new goals — and for many people, this includes improving their smile. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about confidence, comfort, and investing in your long-term oral health. If you’ve spent years wishing your teeth were whiter, straighter, smoother, or more symmetrical, this may be the perfect year to make that change. 

New Year, New Smile Resolutions: A Guide to Setting Realistic Oral Health Goals

By Sondra Brady • January 3, 2026
January is a time for fresh starts, new routines, and positive change. While many people focus on fitness or nutrition, one of the easiest — and most impactful — resolutions you can make is taking better care of your smile. The best part? You don’t need major lifestyle changes to see a difference. A few simple, realistic habits can dramatically improve your oral health throughout the year. If you’re ready for a healthier, brighter smile in 2026, here’s how to set achievable oral health goals you can actually stick to.

Protecting Your Smile During Holiday Travel: Oral Care Tips for Trips Near and Far

By Sondra Brady • December 23, 2025
December is one of the busiest travel months of the year. Whether you’re flying across the country, taking a cozy road trip, or simply bouncing between family gatherings, travel can easily disrupt your daily routines—including your oral care habits. Between irregular schedules, sugary snacks, dry airplane air, and limited access to your normal bathroom setup, your smile can take a beating without you even realizing it. Here’s how to keep your teeth healthy, clean, and comfortable no matter where your holiday adventures take you.

Use It Before You Lose It: Why End-of-Year Dental Visits Matter

By Sondra Brady • December 17, 2025
As the year comes to a close, most people start thinking about holiday plans, finishing last-minute errands, and preparing for the new year ahead. But there’s one important to-do that often gets forgotten — using your dental insurance benefits before they expire. If you haven’t scheduled your dental visit yet, now is the perfect time to make it happen. Most insurance plans reset on January 1st, and any unused benefits disappear for good. Here’s why it’s so important to take advantage of them before the year ends.

Enjoy the Holidays Without Harming Your Smile — A Guide to Healthy Holiday Eating

By Sondra Brady • December 11, 2025
The holiday season is full of festive meals, sweet treats, and cheerful gatherings — but it’s also a time when your teeth face more sugar, more snacking, and more wear and tear than usual.  The good news? You can enjoy every cookie, every party, and every cup of hot cocoa without harming your smile. With a few simple choices, you can keep your teeth healthy all season long.

How Holiday Stress Impacts Your Oral Health (and How to Manage It)

December 5, 2025
The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year—but between shopping, traveling, hosting, and juggling busy schedules, it can also be one of the most stressful. While many people know how stress affects the body, fewer realize it can have a major impact on oral health too. At a time when cookies, cocktails, late nights, and extra to-do lists are the norm, taking care of your smile becomes more important than ever. Here’s how holiday stress may be affecting your teeth—and simple ways to protect them.

Gum Disease Awareness Month

By Sondra Brady • January 12, 2023
February is Gum Disease Awareness Month. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. Although this condition can potentially cause tooth loss, the early stages are often painless. Therefore, individuals can live with gum disease for years without noticing any symptoms. Attending annual exams gives your dental team an opportunity to catch gum disease as early as possible and help stop its progression. Symptoms of Gum Disease: Bleeding gums Red gums Receding gums Swollen gums Bad breath Foul taste in mouth Loose teeth Changes to bite alignment Change in partial denture fit Gingivitis Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and the simplest to treat. Patients with gingivitis may have red, swollen gum that bleeds easily. However, many gingivitis patients are unaware of their condition until receiving a formal diagnosis. This stage of gum disease is often reversible with proper care. Treatment for gingivitis often includes professional hygiene cleanings, prescription mouthwash or toothpaste, and excellent daily oral hygiene. Periodontitis Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontitis affects 47% of US adults over age 30. If left untreated, this condition can cause tooth and bone loss. Gum disease is known for its slow progression, but rapid periods of advancement can occur. Professional dental hygiene cleanings, medications, and surgery are effective treatment methods for periodontitis patients. It is also essential for patients with periodontitis to commit to a diligent oral hygiene routine to manage their condition. Risk Factors for Gum Disease: Tobacco use Diabetes Poor oral hygiene Pregnancy Genetics Certain medications Although there is no conclusive link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, research has collected data to support that gum disease may be associated with certain health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and stroke. Prevention Exceptional at-home oral hygiene and regular preventative dental care are the most effective methods to prevent gum disease. Your daily oral hygiene routine should include brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, cleaning the tongue twice a day with a brush or tongue scraper, and flossing daily. In addition, ensure you receive a professional dental cleaning twice a year and at least one dental exam annually. If we detect any signs of gum disease at your preventive visits, we will design a treatment plan to stop the progression and avoid chronic side effects.