Fast Paced Lifestyle and Teens’ Oral Health

A typical and congested day of teens includes; shuffling through classes, sports, plays and part time jobs; which always keep them on their toes. And, in trying to pace-up with their fast and jam-packed schedule, teens are becoming more and more dependent on quick snacks like carbonated drinks and nutrition bars. These quick snacks keep them alert but they are causing irreversible damage to their oral health.

Jane Soxman, DDS, is of the view ‘Premature loss of tooth enamel and weakening of overall tooth structure are two devastating oral effects of teens’ poor diet that cannot be reversed later in life.”

What are adverse effects of carbonated drinks on teens’ oral health?

Adolescence is time period for optimal bone growth, so, more and more nutrients are needed to strengthen teeth and bones. But these nutrients and calories begin to counteract when teens’ tend to consume carbonated drinks and following damages begin to occur to their oral health:

Soda And Tooth Erosion

The carbonated drinks are major reason of increasing cavities among teens.
The acids in sodas and energy drinks break down tooth enamel, especially around the cavity sealants and previously done restorations thus leading to tooth loss.
Phosphoric, citric, tartaric and carbonic acids in various carbonated drinks limit the calcium absorption capacity thus influencing the bone structure of oral cavity. This lack of calcium intake can lead to periodontal bone loss.
How does snacking affect your teeth?

To-go bars and non-nutritious snacks are affecting teens’ teeth and over the time, they can take a toll on their teeth.

When sugar in the nutrition bars or snacks comes into the contact with the bacteria in the mouth, it attacks teeth and eventually results in the tooth decay.
Added sugars in the foods may lead to tooth decay. Read the food labels and choose the foods with low added sugars.
Non-nutritious snacks or foods make it difficult for tissues in mouth to resist infection and this may lead to periodontal disease.
Contact Dr. Bikram Singh DMD for the best possible and state-of-art dental solutions. Our certified dental expert uses top of the line techniques and as well helps you to fight back dental problems.