Total number of words in this document: 865
Title: The Not-So-Sweet Side of Soda
If you’ve been hard at work or play outside in these hot summer months, you’ve probably developed quite a thirst. If your first instinct is to reach for a can of soda to quench that thirst, you might want to think again. Soda is a drink that can wreak havoc on your teeth. It seems that more and more people are recognizing that fact, as annual sales of soda continue to slowly decline year after year, recently reaching a 30-year low. Even with that, though, the soda industry still racks up annual sales well into the tens of billions and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. So, what makes soda so dangerous for your smile? The answer lies mainly in its high sugar content. The average can of soda can contain somewhere between 30 and 40 grams of sugar. That sugar can turn your mouth into a warzone of bacteria and acid that can destroy your teeth by causing some nasty side effects.
Erosion
When you take a drink of your soda, that shot of liquid brings with it a significant amount of sugar. The sugar enters and reacts with the bacteria in your mouth to form acid. That acid immediately goes to work on the enamel coating of your teeth, causing it …show more content…
This continuous attack can cause the enamel to slowly alter its appearance as it weakens, becoming translucent around the edges, causing the tooth to appear dented and uneven in appearance, and even turning an unsightly yellow. It can also cause your teeth to become more sensitive, as the enamel serves as a protective coating around the nerves inside your tooth. A weaker enamel means those nerves are more susceptible to sensations of hot or cold, which can make it more difficult to eat your favorite meals, snacks, and