How to repair cola-colored teeth
Sep 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Coca-Cola teeth may be caused by factors such as the characteristics of tooth composition, inadequate oral hygiene, dietary habits, Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, and others. To prevent Coca-Cola teeth, it is advisable to reduce consumption of carbonated beverages, maintain good oral hygiene practices—including regular brushing and flossing—and adjust dietary habits by limiting intake of high-sugar foods and maintaining a balanced diet.
Generally, cola teeth may be caused by characteristics of tooth composition, inadequate oral hygiene, dietary habits, Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, and other factors. Treatment methods include general management, medication, cold light whitening, veneer restoration, and all-ceramic crown restoration under the guidance of a physician. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Characteristics of Tooth Composition
Teeth are primarily composed of minerals such as hydroxyapatite, which can dissolve easily in acidic environments. Carbonated beverages contain high levels of acidic substances; prolonged exposure can erode enamel and lead to cola teeth. It is advisable to reduce consumption of carbonated drinks and maintain regular tooth brushing. Cold light whitening may also be performed under professional medical supervision. This procedure uses high-intensity blue light to remove stains from teeth, resulting in whiter teeth. The reference cost is typically 2,000–5,000 yuan per session. Improvements can usually be seen within 20–40 minutes, although tooth sensitivity may occur. Patients should avoid consuming irritating foods for a short period afterward.
2. Inadequate Oral Hygiene
Failing to clean the mouth promptly after drinking carbonated beverages allows acidic substances and sugars to remain on the tooth surface, promoting bacterial growth and accelerating enamel damage, leading to cola teeth. Daily oral hygiene should be strengthened with regular brushing. Veneer restoration under professional guidance is recommended. A layer of artificial material resembling natural tooth color is bonded to the tooth surface to restore aesthetics and function. The reference price ranges from 300 to 700 yuan per tooth. Improvement is generally visible within one hour, although gum recession may occur in some cases.
3. Dietary Habits
Long-term frequent consumption of carbonated or high-sugar beverages, along with poor dietary habits, increases the risk of developing cola teeth. Adjusting dietary habits by reducing intake of carbonated drinks and high-sugar foods is essential. All-ceramic crown restoration can be performed under professional medical supervision. This involves covering the entire tooth surface with an all-ceramic material to restore its shape and function. The reference price is generally 500–1,000 yuan per tooth. Improvement is typically noticeable within one hour, but potential side effects may include tooth loosening or a foreign body sensation.
4. Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is a complex autoimmune disorder influenced by genetic factors, environmental triggers, and abnormal estrogen levels. This condition leads to impaired salivary gland function and reduced saliva production, decreasing the mouth’s self-cleaning ability. As a result, carbonated beverages cause greater damage to teeth, contributing to cola teeth. Common accompanying symptoms include dry eyes and dry skin. Treatment may involve medications such as bromhexine tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, and cyclosporine soft capsules, used according to medical advice.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes may result from genetic predisposition, unhealthy lifestyle, immune dysfunction, viral infections, and aging. Diabetic patients often have elevated sugar levels in their oral cavity, which promotes bacterial growth and plaque formation. Additionally, diabetes may impair saliva secretion, indirectly increasing the risk of cola teeth. Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss. Patients should follow medical guidance and use medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, glipizide tablets, and insulin injection solutions.
It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo procedures under the supervision of a qualified doctor to ensure effectiveness and safety. To prevent cola teeth, individuals should reduce consumption of carbonated beverages, maintain good oral hygiene practices—including regular brushing and flossing—adjust dietary habits to limit high-sugar foods, and maintain a balanced diet.
