Soda Find out why drinking soda could spell disaster for your child’s smile.

With vending machines in schools and sodas found in the majority of refrigerators across America, it’s not surprising that many kids turn to this liquid candy instead of healthier choices. The USDA has found that soft drink consumption has actually increased by as much as 500 percent over the last fifty years. One major consequence of drinking soft drinks is dental erosion and cavities. Find out what soda actually does to your child’s smile and what you can do to make sure your child gets a clean bill of health from Carey & Aylward, DDS, PC their Westland, MI dentists.

Soda and Your Child’s Teeth

We all start out with strong, healthy enamel—the hard outer protective layer of your tooth. Whenever we consume anything acidic like soda, it attacks and softens the tooth’s enamel. Over time, these acid attacks can wear away at the surface of your teeth. Soda, sports drinks and fruit juices are all known to cause dental erosion.

In fact, one study found that 79 percent of soda and fruit juice drinkers had dental erosion and as many as 64 percent also showed signs of minimal tooth wear. Those participants with the most severe forms of dental erosion also drank more soda and fruit juice than those with more minor dental wear.

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth From Decay

So, what can you do to protect your child’s teeth? To start, make a strong effort to keep all sodas out of the house, and limit the amount of fruit juice your child drinks. Instead, stock the fridge with fluoridated water and milk, which are the best options for healthy smiles.

Furthermore, help your child maintain a cavity-free smile by making sure their oral hygiene is up to par. This means brushing their teeth at least twice a day, and flossing daily.

Also, keep in mind that dental erosion doesn’t always spell cavities, so long as you take good care of your teeth. If you continue to see your Westland, MI dentist for routine check-ups every six months, we can prevent the erosion from getting worse and actually causing cavities. By keeping up with your child’s biannual cleanings and exams, you could help them to avoid uncomfortable and expensive dental treatments.

If it’s time for you or your child’s next dental cleaning, call your Westland, MI dentists at Carey & Aylward to schedule your next appointment. A healthy smile starts with proper preventive care.


Westland, MI Dentist Carey & Aylward, DDS, PC
32540 Warren Road Westland, MI 48185 (734) 425-9130 Dentist in Westland, MI Call For Pricing Options