| How Tooth Decay Starts |
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Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid. |
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This acid, plus the extra acid from soft drinks, attacks the teeth. Each acid attack lasts about 20 minutes, and acid attacks start over again with every sip. |
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Ongoing acid attacks weaken tooth enamel. |
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Cavities begin when tooth enamel is damaged. |
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Remember, diet or "sugar-free" soda still has acid that can harm your teeth. Although fruit drinks aren't carbonated like soda, they too have acid and sugar that can cause decay. |
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| Reduce the Risk |
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Drink carbonated beverages (soft drinks, soda pop) in moderation. |
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Give infants and toddlers these beverages in a regular cup. Sucking on a bottle or sippy cup filled with these beverages promotes tooth decay. |
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Use a straw to help keep sugar away from your teeth while drinking. |
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Choose fluoridated water instead of fizzy drinks. |
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Avoid drinking soft drinks and fruit juice before bedtime. |
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Rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth soon after using either of these. |
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Get regular dental checkups and cleanings. |
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| Acid and Sugar in Soft Drinks |
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Acidity |
Sugar Amount |
| Battery Acid | | 0 |
| Pepsi | | 9.8 tsp. |
| Coca-Cola | | 9.3 tsp. |
| Minute Maid Orange Soda | | 11.2 tsp. |
| Dr. Pepper | | 9.5 tsp. |
| Gatorade | | 3.3 tsp. |
| Nestea | | 5.0 tsp. |
| Diet Pepsi | | 0 |
| Mountain Dew | | 11.0 tsp. |
| Minute Maid Grape Soda | | 11.9 tsp. |
| Diet Coke | | 0 |
| Diet Dr. Pepper | | 0 |
| Sprite | | 9.0 tsp. |
| Barq's | | 10.7 tsp. |
| Pure Water | 0 | 0 |
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