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Which is Better For Teeth: Diet Soda vs. Regular Soda

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Diet Coke will be healthier for your teeth if you avoid the bacteria-feeding sugar found in normal soda, according to Dr. Marianne Cohan. That seems to be rational, doesn't it? There's a little more to it than that, to be honest. Consider the following: any kind of soda may have a negative impact on your oral hygiene.

Diet soda: Why it may cause teeth to decay as well as other health problems

The acidity of these beverages is the primary factor in the development of tooth decay. Typically, diet sodas and other sugar-free beverages are rich in acidity, which weakens the enamel on your teeth and makes them more vulnerable to cavities and tooth erosion. Sugar-free beverages often contain significant levels of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and/or tartaric acid, thus it's recommended to avoid them if at all possible.

Some patients also appreciate drinking orange juice or other citrus liquids, according to their preferences. These beverages are rich in citric acid and have the same impact on the enamel of your teeth as sodas and other acidic beverages.

What about normal soda, you ask?

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We all know that the acidity of diet sodas and sugar-free beverages leads to tooth disease, but what about ordinary soda? Does it have the same effect? In addition to the sugar content (a 12-ounce can of soda has around 10 teaspoons of sugar), ordinary soda also includes carbohydrates, which feed the decay-causing bacteria found in the mouth. This includes sports drinks and energy drinks, which are both high in acidity and high in sugar content, as well as other beverages. As a result, these beverages offer a double punch of sugar and acidity that your teeth and body do not need.

When you drink soda throughout the day, the issues created by both diet and normal soda are amplified. It's better to drink it all in one sitting so that you don't have to worry about cleaning sugar and/or acids off your teeth throughout the day and so that your saliva has a chance to balance the pH in your mouth.

What are the greatest drinks to consume and how should they be consumed

Making a conscious effort to consume liquids that are low in acid is an excellent strategy for maintaining healthy teeth and enamel. Root beer, plain water, black tea, and coffee are the healthiest options, according to research done by Matthew M. Rodgers and J. Anthony von Fraunhofer at the University of Michigan. If you must drink a soda, plain water, black tea, and coffee are the best options. When measured 14 days after the beverage was consumed, these beverages dissolved the least amount of enamel in the test tube.

For those who still prefer to consume soda, diet soda, sugar-free beverages, or juices, here are some additional recommendations to help you avoid tooth decay:

  • Drinking soda or acidic liquids using a straw can help to reduce contact between your teeth and the acid.
  • Immediately after consuming the beverage, flush the mouth with plenty of water.
  • You should refrain from brushing your teeth between 30 minutes and an hour after consuming the beverage since doing so has been demonstrated to distribute the acids before you saliva can restore the pH to a neutral state in your mouth.
  • Drinks with acids stated on the ingredient label should be avoided at all costs.

Do you have any more questions concerning soda, sugar, or acid? Give our Las Vegas office near you, Summerlin Dental Solutions, a call and we'll be more than pleased to assist you.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!

GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN

Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.

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With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning.  Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens.  She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.

Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT!

851 S Rampart Blvd #230, Las Vegas, NV 89145 | (702) 341-9160
851 S Rampart Blvd #230, Las Vegas, NV 89145 | (702) 341-9160