You might already grasp that soda isn’t good for teeth. After all, doctors, parents, and even friends will bring up that fact in conversation. Thus, you may opt for “diet” soda as a seemingly healthier option. However, the truth is that the latter isn’t any better for smiles than the former. As for why that’s the case, your Dallas dentist is here to explain. Read on, then, to learn the effect of soda on teeth and how to protect your smile from it.
Remember: Sugary Sodas Hurt Teeth
Just as some context, it’s helpful to recap why regular soda is bad for teeth. Doing so will help you see why diet brands are also harmful.
The main reason regular soda hurts teeth is its sugar. When that white carb touches your smile, it attracts bacteria that decay your enamel. Since a 12-ounce soda has nine teaspoons of sugar, it’s thus no surprise that dentists advise against drinking too many. Left unchecked, too much of that beverage could give your teeth loads of cavities.
Diet Isn’t Different
True enough, diet soda doesn’t include the sugar of regular brands. Even so, research finds that it usually damages teeth as much as regular soda.
Further study shows the cause of diet soda’s harm. Unlike sugar-sweetened types, sugar-free pop has ingredients that cause dental erosion — a process that removes enamel and exposes your teeth’s lower layers. One such material is phosphoric acid, while another is citric acid. By bonding with calcium, they weaken teeth, cause tooth sensitivity, and trigger other issues.
How to Protect Your Smile from Decay
Thankfully, there are ways to protect your smile from soda — whether regular or diet. The most common of these methods are:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: You can limit soda’s effect on oral health by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Still, wait one hour after having the drink before you brush.
- See Your Dentist Often: Regular checkups and cleanings let your dentist prevent and even reverse tooth decay.
- Use a Straw: Drinking soda through a straw will minimize its contact with your teeth.
- Rinse Your Mouth: After an acidic drink, rinse your mouth with water or milk. Either liquid would rebalance the area’s pH levels.
As you can see, the effect of soda on teeth doesn’t differ according to “regular” or “diet.” Therefore, use the tips above whenever you have that beverage!
About the Practice
North Garland Family Dental is based in Garland, TX. As led by Drs. Megan Snyder and Yaritza Vazquez, our practice always strives for dental excellence. To that end, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as emergency procedures. Our office is also a proud dental sedation provider for patients suffering from anxiety. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (972)-530-7979.
