Diet Vs. Regular Soda: Which Is Better for My Teeth?

Did you know October is National Dental Hygiene Month? That means there’s no better time than now to consider our daily habits and how they impact our teeth. We know, for example, that consuming foods and drinks with high sugar content is bad for our pearly whites. It attracts microbes that cause tooth decay, which can progress and require more complex treatment if left untreated.

If you’re like many others wanting to be conscious of your oral wellbeing this month, you might be tempted to switch from regular soda to diet. After all, you don’t want to get a cavity and end up with a dental emergency one day! There’s no sugar in diet soda so it’s better for you, right? When it comes to your smile, that’s not entirely true. Keep reading to learn why!

Are Sugar-Free Drinks Better for Teeth?

It’s true that limiting the amount of sugary drinks you consume will help keep your teeth and gums free of toxic bacteria. If you’re simply replacing regular soda with diet soda, though, you’re not necessarily doing yourself any favors.

The unfortunate truth is that sugar-free beverages might be just as harmful. Many of them contain phosphoric acid, or other acidic ingredients, that wear down the protective outer layer of your pearly whites. Once the enamel is weakened, you’re more likely to develop tooth decay which can lead to cavities. Even without the sugar, you can still put a dent in your health.

What Can I Do to Protect My Teeth?

There are a few ways you can prevent this kind of damage, including:

• Choose healthier options. Your safest bet is to drink water, which will keep you hydrated and flush your mouth of unwanted particles. Some sources of tap water are treated with fluoride, which has the added benefit of restoring nutrients to your enamel. Milk is another great choice.
• Limit consumption. Even if you’re determined not to give up on your favorite soda altogether, it’s still helpful to curb how many you drink.
• Drink through a straw. This way your teeth aren’t coming into direct contact with the acidic liquid.
• Practice proper dental hygiene. By brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, you’re ridding them of dangerous germs that cause gum disease and tooth decay. That means they’re naturally more resilient during the day while you eat and drink.

If you’re in the habit of reaching for a can of soda during meals, replace it with a glass of water instead. Your whole smile will thank you!

About the Practice

Our experienced dental team at Sunrise Dental has been serving patients of all ages for over 3 decades. We provide a wide range of services all under one roof so whether you need professional teeth cleaning, to have a cavity filled, or have a dental emergency, we can help! You’re welcome to request an appointment on our website or by calling (713) 869-9973.