Diet Coke And Your Teeth

Have you ever had a second thought about the impact of Diet Coke on your teeth? You’d be forgiven if you haven’t. Most people don’t realise that even sugar-free drinks can damage their dental health.

 

While it’s a good thing to reduce your sugar intake overall, sugar-free beverages aren’t always the best alternative to sugary drinks. That’s because a lot of diet drinks contain artificial sweeteners and are highly acidic – which can erode tooth enamel over time.

 

And believe us when we say that dental erosion is not so much fun. We’ve seen all the side effects that sugar-free sodas and energy drinks can have on a patient’s oral health.

 

But there are ways to protect your tooth enamel from erosion and maintain optimal oral hygiene without sacrificing too much of what you love. If you’re struggling with tooth sensitivity or have any concerns about tooth decay, your local dentist can help.

 

At Face Teeth Smile we provide everything from dental hygiene treatments to smile packages, plus plenty of expert advice on how to take care of your oral health. Contact us online to find out more, or give us a call on +44 (0) 020 4525 9665.

 

The Impact of Diet Coke on Your Teeth: What You Need to Know

 

Sugar-free drinks like Diet Coke and some sports drinks may sound appealing if you tend to consume beverages with low sugar content. But the reality is that diet sodas are high in other detrimental substances such as citric acid, phosphoric acid and tartaric acid.

 

It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to hear that acid and your tooth enamel are not the best of friends. Over time acidic beverages cause enamel erosion and tooth decay. You may also notice increased tooth sensitivity and ongoing acid attacks when you consume these sugar-free drinks.

 

Sugar substitutes are often no better for your teeth than regular sugary soda or fruit juices. A recently published study in the US suggested an increase in tooth erosion linked to diet soda consumption among adults.

 

Is Diet Soda Just as Bad for Your Teeth as Regular Soda?

 

It is widely believed that sugar-free beverages can be just as bad for your teeth as other kinds of sugary soft drinks. While it might be tempting to drink diet soda over regular soda when given a choice, the reality is that Diet Coke and other sugar-free drinks contain substances that can threaten the health of your teeth.

 

Take phosphoric acid for example (which is present in a lot of diet sodas) – too much phosphorus can lower the amount of calcium your body needs to maintain healthy teeth and bones. It can also compromise your body’s ability to access other healthy minerals in your system.

 

And that’s not all. Just like citrus juices and sports drinks, diet soda can also cause a decline in oral health – not only by way of dental erosion but the potential risk of gum disease too.

 

How to Protect Your Teeth When You Drink Diet Soda

 

These tips can help to minimise the effects of diet soda on your teeth:

 

• Drink water alongside diet sodas to dilute acids and promote saliva production
• Use a straw to lessen the contact between the diet drink and your teeth
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming diet or regular sodas
• Maintain good cleaning habits such as brushing twice daily, using mouthwash and flossing
• Make time for regular dental check-ups and visits to the dental hygienist

 

Lessen The Impact of Sugar-Free Soft Drinks on Your Teeth

 

We’d recommend moderating how many diet and sugar-free drinks you consume every week. Not only for the health of your teeth but also to avoid health complications such as abdominal obesity.

If you’re concerned about the health of your teeth or would like any information about the treatments we offer, don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can get in touch with Face Teeth Smile online or give us a call on +44 (0) 020 4525 9665. Alternatively, drop us a line at info@faceteethsmile.com.