You’re likely aware that soda is not beneficial for your teeth, as it’s a topic often discussed by doctors, parents, and friends. Consequently, you may choose “diet” soda, thinking it’s a healthier alternative. However, the reality is that diet soda is not any better for your smile than regular soda. To understand why, your Dallas dentist is here to provide an explanation. Continue reading to discover the impact of soda on teeth and how you can safeguard your smile from its effects.
Remember: Sugary Sodas Hurt Teeth
To provide some context, let’s briefly review why regular soda is detrimental to teeth. Understanding this will help you see why diet sodas are also harmful. The primary reason regular soda negatively affects teeth is its sugar content. When sugar comes into contact with your teeth, it attracts bacteria that contribute to enamel decay.
Considering that a 12-ounce soda contains approximately nine teaspoons of sugar, it’s not surprising that dentists advise against consuming excessive amounts. If left uncontrolled, consuming too much of this beverage can significantly increase the risk of developing cavities.
Diet Isn’t Different
Indeed, diet soda may not contain the sugar found in regular soda. However, research indicates that it can still be as damaging to teeth as its sugary counterparts. Additional studies have shed light on the specific reasons behind the harm caused by diet soda.
Unlike sugar-sweetened sodas, sugar-free varieties contain ingredients that contribute to dental erosion. This process involves the gradual removal of enamel, exposing the underlying layers of the teeth. Two of these damaging ingredients are phosphoric acid and citric acid. These substances bond with calcium and weaken the teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity and other oral health issues.
How to Protect Your Smile from Decay
Fortunately, there are strategies to safeguard your smile from the harmful effects of soda, whether it’s regular or diet. The most commonly recommended methods include:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: To minimize the impact of soda on your oral health, it is advisable to brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. However, it’s important to wait at least 30 minutes after consuming soda before brushing your teeth.
- See Your Dentist Often: Regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist enable them to prevent and potentially reverse tooth decay.
- Use a Straw: Using a straw to drink soda can reduce its direct contact with your teeth, minimizing the potential harm.
- Rinse Your Mouth: After consuming an acidic drink, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water or milk. Either liquid can help rebalance the pH levels in your mouth.
About the Practice
Located in Plano, Antoon Family Dental is committed to delivering dental excellence. Under the guidance of Dr. Sam Antoon, our practice offers a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, including emergency procedures. We take pride in being a trusted dental sedation provider, ensuring a comfortable experience for patients with anxiety. To learn more about our exceptional dental services or to schedule an appointment, please visit Antoon Family Dental’s website or contact our office at (972)-530-7979.