How Sugary Drinks Affect Teeth: What Every Parent Should Know

When it comes to quenching their thirst, a recent study has found that children drink as much as 30 gallons of sugary beverages a year. That’s a lot of Kool-Aid, Coke, and Gatorade—enough to fill a bathtub! And it’s a lot of sugar, too. Besides increasing the risks of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, do sugary drinks affect your teeth? Penn Dental Medicine explains what you should know about the connection between sugar and rotten teeth and how to keep your children safe from sugar’s less-sweet side effects.

What Do Sugary Drinks Do to Your Teeth?

Sugary drinks provide hydration along with a quick source of energy. Two-thirds of children ages 2 to 18 years drink at least one sugar-sweetened beverage a day. However, the sugar that makes these beverages so tasty is a leading cause of tooth decay in children.

How Sugar Causes Tooth Decay

When sugar enters the mouth through these drinks, it interacts with bacteria and turns into acid. Over time, repeated exposure to that acid will wear away at tooth enamel, leaving holes and weak spots that can turn into cavities or infections.

But it’s not just the sugar in these beverages that has oral health implications. Another important factor to consider is the acidic nature of many sugary drinks. Soft drinks and sports beverages often contain citric acid and phosphoric acid, which can also exacerbate enamel erosion. This double whammy—high sugar content and acidity—creates a perfect storm for your child’s oral health.

Why Does Sugar Hurt My Teeth? Another Sugar Side Effect

Children may find that their teeth hurt when they drink sugary beverages. This is because teeth become more sensitive when enamel wears away.

Is Flavored Water Bad for Your Teeth?

Or is sugar-free Kool-Aid bad for your teeth? The answer is yes, which also goes for sugar-free flavored water. Whether it’s sugar-free or not, citric acids are often used to flavor beverages, and as mentioned above, they can erode enamel and result in tooth decay.

6 Ways To Protect Your Children’s Teeth from Sugary Beverages

1. Choose Water and Milk: Make water or milk the primary option for hydration instead of soda, sports drinks, punch, or other sugary beverages. Encourage your children to drink water throughout the day, especially after meals, as it helps flush away bacteria. Milk provides essential nutrients while avoiding harmful sugars.
2. Educate About Sugar: Teach children about the effects of sugar on their teeth. Explain how sugary drinks can lead to cavities and tooth sensitivity, helping them understand the importance of making healthier choices.
3. Limit Sugary Beverages: Set limits on how often your child can drink sugary beverages. Consider designating special occasions for these drinks rather than making them a daily habit.
4. Use a Straw: When consuming sugary drinks, using a straw can help minimize contact between the beverage and teeth, reducing the risk of enamel erosion and cavities.
5. Encourage Good Oral Hygiene: Promote regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing to help remove food particles and plaque that can lead to decay.
6. Get Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule routine visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and checkups.

Make an Appointment at Penn Dental Medicine

At Penn Dental Medicine, we can help keep your child’s smile sweet and healthy with the latest dental techniques and patient care that’s designed to make even our littlest patients comfortable. Make fears of sugar and rotten teeth disappear. Call 215-898-8965 or complete this form to schedule an appointment.