Think before you drink: Erosion of tooth enamel from soda pop is permanent

You may be saving calories by drinking diet soda, but when it comes to enamel erosion of your teeth, it's no better than regular soda.

In the last 25 years, dentists throughout the United States have seen an increase in the number of dental patients with erosion of the tooth enamel - the protective layer of the tooth. Once erosion occurs, it can't be reversed and affects people their whole life. A lot of young people drink massive quantities of soda. It's no surprise they're seeing more sensitivity. Triggers like hot and cold drinks - and even cold air - reach the tooth's nerve and cause pain. Depending on the frequency and amount of soda consumed, the erosion process can be extreme. According to the National Soft Drink Association, it's estimated the average American drinks 44 gallons of soda pop a year. Phosphoric and citric acid, which are common ingredients in many popular sodas and diet sodas, alters the pH balance in the mouth and can cause tooth erosion over time. It can be more harmful than cavities because the damage causes tooth sensitivity. If a tooth is decayed a dentist can fix it by placing a filling, but if a tooth is sensitive there is really nothing a dentist can do. Tooth sensitivity can become a lifetime problem, limiting things people like to drink and even food choices.

You could crown all your teeth but that is costly and a rather extreme solution. It hurts to consume cold and hot foods and beverages. Some of the patients tell dentists when they go outside in the winter they don't open their mouth or the cold air causes pain. In addition, a significant number of scientific studies show a relationship between the consumption of soda and enamel erosion and cavities. So, it's best not to drink soda at all, but she offers tips for those who continue to drink it. 1. Limit consumption of soda to meal time 2. Don't drink soda throughout the day 3. Brush your teeth afterwards -- toothpaste re-mineralizes or strengthens areas where acid weakened the teeth 4. If tooth brushing is not possible, at least rinse out your mouth with water 5. Chew sugar free gum or better yet, gum containing Xylitol.