Is Mountain Dew Mouth Getting You Down?
A recent study in the Pediatric Dental Journal provides evidence of strong relationships between acidic drinks and dental erosion.
The study subjected 52 human extracted primary molars to a two and four-week erosive challenge where the molars were placed in four different liquids: artificial saliva, strawberry-flavored milk, orange juice and carbonated soft drink.
Analysis found that the carbonated soda and orange juice showed high erosive qualities potentially affecting the enamel surface of the teeth while the milk-based beverage showed no difference from the artificial saliva.
With a spike in consumption of carbonated soft drinks during the Covid-19 pandemic, effected children may suffer from severe tooth surface loss, tooth sensitivity, poor esthetics and eventually the risk of dental abscesses of the affected teeth.
“People who frequently drink Mountain Dew and other types of soda can develop major dental problems, including extensive cavities that visibly darken and break the teeth. This phenomenon is sometimes known as “Mountain Dew Mouth,”" says dentist Anne Clemons, DMD.
Mountain Dew Mouth refers to the tooth decay that accompanies the frequent consumption of soft drinks, particularly—as you may have guessed—Mountain Dew.
Here are a few habits to help reduce your risk:
Brush Often and Thoroughly. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. If you’ve had soda, wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing. You want to brush when your teeth are less vulnerable to erosion.
Rinse and Spit. Don’t have a toothbrush handy? Rinse your mouth with water after drinking soda to help neutralize the acid. Rinsing your mouth before it’s time to brush is also a good idea to further protect your teeth.
Chew Gum. Chew sugar-free gum to help maintain good saliva flow in your mouth. Saliva is a natural protector against cavities.
Drink in Moderation. Limit yourself to two or fewer servings of soda each week – it shouldn’t be a daily habit.
Drink Soda in One Sitting. Sipping soda over a prolonged period doesn’t give your mouth time to recover.
Use a Straw. Sip soda through a straw so less touches your teeth.
Regular Dental Visits. Regular visits to your dentist will not only help prevent tooth decay, but they also lead to better treatment results as you can spot problems early on, which gives you a better chance to save the tooth.
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