Most people cut out sugar present in regular soda by opting for a diet version and think it’s better. Well, there's a bit more to it than that. Let's take a look at how any kind of soda can affect your dental health.
Regular soda
Regular soda can contain roughly ten teaspoons of sugar which can lead to decay. Sports drinks and energy drinks are highly acidic and loaded with sugar too.
The more you sip on them throughout the day the more the acid attacks on the teeth which leads to decay. Drinking in a go than sipping is better as you won't be washing sugar and/or acids over the teeth all day and the saliva will have a chance to neutralize the ph.
Diet Soda – Why can it cause decay?
The reason these drinks lead to decay is the acid content. Diet sodas and other sugar-free drinks are usually highly acidic and weakens the outer layer of the teeth and makes them more susceptible to decay and dental erosion. The level of acid (phosphoric acid/citric acid/ tartaric acid) is high in sugar-free drinks and therefore best to avoid. Citrus juices are high in citric acid and have the same effect on the outer layer of your teeth.
If you still choose to drink soda, diet soda, sugar-free drinks, or juices here are some other tips to decrease tooth decay and erosion:
· Drink acidic beverages through a straw to minimize contact with teeth
· Rinse with water immediately after consumption of the beverage
· Avoid brushing your teeth between 30 minutes to an hour after drinking the beverage as the teeth are soft and can wear the outer layer of the tooth
· Always check the label for sugars and avoid drinks that have acids listed on the ingredients list
We are grateful to the community of Launceston and surrounds for making us what we are and thank you for your word-of-mouth referrals and for making us a word-of-mouth referral practice. We do accept new patients and if you would like to book in, please call (03) 6326 4368