Orthodontic Dangers: Acid/Sodas and Loose Brackets

larskflem via Compfight cc

There is long standing evidence that drinking sodas or any type of drink that is carbonated and contains sugar will damage your teeth through the process of erosion. These drinks are extremely harmful to teeth. The question that many are pondering is whether or not these type of drinks pose any additional risks for those who wear braces.

The Indestructible Myth:

1. Dr. Patricia Panucci is a respected orthodontist in the Manhattan Beach area, meaning she deals with quite a few cases in which the need to repair or replace braces exists. One of the most common misconceptions from those outside the world of dentistry is the belief that because the vast majority of braces are made of metal, they are indestructible. The truth is that there are a number of food types that can destroy the tooth and wreak havoc on braces.

The Dangers of Soda and Acid:

Whether you are wearing braces or not, the consumption of sweetened carbonated soft drinks poses an immediate threat to your teeth. In examining some of the comments on forums that discuss this very issue, it is easy to see that most people are completely oblivious to the dangers of the common soft drink beverages that are consumed daily. The problem is that being oblivious to the knowledge of the consequences of drinking these dangerous beverages does not exempt a person from them.

One of the most common negative effects of drinking carbonated sugary drinks is that they contribute heavily to tooth erosion. Tooth erosion is the slow process in which the surface of a person’s teeth is worn away. It is the loss of tooth structure, a gradual process with long lasting repercussions. This wearing away of the structure is due to the weakening of the dental enamel on the teeth. This thin layer of enamel is responsible for the maintenance of the tooth’s shape and structure. As the enamel wears away, it becomes increasingly difficult for the tooth to maintain its normal shape, strength and structure, resulting in a number of different dental issues. Tooth erosion is one of the greatest concerns when it comes to oral health care.

Diet Sodas Too

Because most people who are aware of the dangers of sodas to teeth believe that the culprit is the sugar contained in the sodas, they postulate that drinking diet sodas is the answer. This could not be further from the truth. The sugar in these drinks does play a major role in tooth decay, but it is the acid that has the greatest impact on the destruction of tooth enamel. Normally, the body has a natural way of combating the effects of acid on the teeth. The process is known as remineralization. Remineralization occurs when the calcium in your saliva helps to re-strengthen teeth after small amounts of acid have been consumed; however, when large amounts are consumed it does not allow the remineralization process to occur.

Damaged Braces

The acid in the sodas also wreaks havoc on braces, specifically the brackets. The acid degrades the effectiveness of the glue that is used to hold the braces onto the teeth. This causes the orthodontic brackets to become loose and subsequently fall off. This is one of the top reasons that orthodontist such as Dr. Panucci have to repair and replace braces.

If you or a loved one lives in the Manhattan Beach area, and you are in need of having your braces replaced or repaired, or maybe in need of a new set of braces, you should contact Dr. Panucci’s office to discuss the benefits of active self-ligating brackets.

FAQ

Why are sugary carbonated sodas considered harmful to teeth?

The text explains that sweetened carbonated drinks can damage teeth through erosion, which is the slow wearing away of tooth enamel. As enamel weakens and wears down, teeth can lose normal shape, strength, and structure over time.

Do sodas create extra problems for people who wear braces?

Yes. Beyond harming enamel, the text says the acid in sodas can also damage braces by weakening the glue that holds brackets to the teeth, which can make brackets loosen and fall off.

Are braces “indestructible” because they are made of metal?

No. The text calls this a common myth and says certain foods and drinks can damage teeth and cause problems for braces, including the need to repair or replace parts of the braces.

Are diet sodas safer for your teeth than regular sodas?

The text says no. While sugar contributes to tooth decay, it emphasizes that acid is the biggest threat to enamel, and diet sodas still contain acid that can contribute to enamel damage.

How do acids interfere with the body’s natural protection for teeth?

The text says the body relies on a process called remineralization, where calcium in saliva helps re-strengthen teeth after small amounts of acid. But frequent or large amounts of acid can overwhelm this process and reduce the teeth’s ability to recover.

Beach Braces, 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.

Sodas: The Most Effective Teeth Killers

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.