At the grocery store, you stand in the soda aisle debating whether you should get a case of your favorite sweet beverage. Right next to it sits the diet version, which does not have any sugar. You put a case of this sugar-free option in your cart, thinking you’ve found a healthier alternative, but when it comes to your teeth, is diet soda better than regular? The answer may surprise you!
Sugar: The Easy Scapegoat for Dental Problems
Over the years, sugar has been primarily blamed for cavities and for good reason. Studies show that increased sugar consumption leads to a substantial increase in tooth decay and even gum infections because sugar fuels bacteria in plaque. These bacteria then produce an acid that wears down and weakens the tooth. However, while it certainly plays a role, sugar is not alone in causing problems for smiles.
The Real Concern About Soda and Other Beverages
Although sugar feeds harmful bacteria that cause cavities, the true danger with certain drinks for teeth is not necessarily the sugar content—it’s the acidity! When you eat or drink something acidic, it erodes tooth enamel, eventually leading to decay with consistent exposure. Diet sodas, although free of sugar, contain just as much phosphoric acid as regular soda, which means these two options are equally damaging to teeth.
Drinks High in Acidity
Unfortunately, soda is not the only beverage that consists of a low pH. Citrus fruit drinks (even those with no added sugar), sweetened tea, energy drinks, and more have acidic ingredients, raising your risk of cavities. As a result, you should try to avoid having these drinks when you can and select a more smile-friendly alternative like water, milk, or unsweetened tea. If you choose to have an acidic drink, be sure you rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the pH level.
Protection for Your Teeth
In addition to making healthier decisions for your beverages, if you want to keep your teeth strong, you’ll need to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine at home and visit the dentist at least every six months for checkups and cleanings. Brushing and flossing every day clear away remnants of acid and bad bacteria in your mouth, and being examined by your dentist ensures any cavities are spotted and treated long before they cause serious dental damage.
Diet sodas may seem to offer a better option, but don’t be fooled. They can still damage your smile, especially if you consume it regularly. Every now and then, a sugary or acidic drink is okay, but choosing truly healthy beverages will help you keep your teeth in better shape.
About the Practice
Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center has served the Midland community for more than 40 years. Father-and-son team, consisting of Dr. Franklin Boyles and Dr. Stephen Boyles, can perform advanced procedures and services, but they still recommend routine care at home and regular preventive visits. As Fellows of the Academy of General Dentistry, they both have credentials that only a small percentage of dentists throughout the country has earned. Contact the Midland office online or call 432-685-7011 for an appointment.