If you’re a diet soda drinker, you may be thinking that your sugar-free beverage habit is beneficial to your body. In fact, you may even think that because it doesn’t use real sugar, it’s keeping your teeth safer than regular soda. But according to research, this may not be true.
Here’s why when it comes to cola, diet varieties can be just as bad as their sugary swaps.
The Dangers of Diet
Diet soda is a great option for people looking to avoid sugar. If you are diabetic, eat a low-carb diet, or are simply trying to watch your calorie intake, it’s definitely better than regular soda. But unfortunately, the same can’t be said for your oral health.
That’s because many varieties of diet soda are highly acidic. These beverages contain high levels of phosphoric acid which strips away your tooth enamel. Some citrus flavored varieties also contain citric or citrate acid, which is also notorious for causing enamel erosion. This can eventually lead to tooth sensitivity, an increased risk of cavities, and with time it could even expose the soft, vulnerable dentin inside them.
Smart Swap-Outs
It can be hard to quit a soda habit, especially if your beverage of choice contains caffeine. If you are looking for a refreshing drink with some bubble to it, opt for plain, unsweetened seltzers or sparkling water. Unsweetened iced tea is another delicious pick, or you can drink water or milk. Black coffee is a great way to get a boost of caffeine, but it is also very acidic, and can stain your teeth too, so if you decide to go for the ‘joe,’ be sure to follow it with a glass of water.
When you do decide to indulge in any kind of soda or acidic beverage, remember this rule of thumb: drink or rinse with water immediately after, but wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, as acidic beverages can temporarily soften your enamel. If you brush right after drinking them, your toothbrush can permanently scratch it. Thus, by waiting a half an hour or so after, you give it time to reharden so that when you do brush your teeth they are not damaged by your toothbrush.
Remember, an occasional soda or diet soda won’t kill your smile, but habitually drinking these beverages can leave your teeth susceptible to dangerous enamel erosion, cavities, and more. Thus, limit your intake of these fizzy finds, and stick to one of the many other tooth-friendly beverages available to enjoy!
About Our Practice
At Sweet Smiles Dental Design, our team of highly skilled dental professionals combines the latest in technology with good, old fashioned patient care. We work together with you to help customize a treatment plan that not only achieves your smile goals, but also helps create solutions that fit realistically into your lifestyle.
If you need any type of restoration from fillings to dental implants, we offer many options in one convenient location.
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