Could Diet Soda Be Causing Tooth Decay?
Before you reach for your next diet soda or no-calorie drink, food or gum, think twice! Artificial sweeteners and sugar-free foods have been linked with tooth erosion. (1) The two main artificial sweeteners of concern are sucralose and aspartame commonly called Splenda, or Equal.
The main culprit in these drinks that leads to decay is the acid content. Diet sodas and other sugar-free drinks are usually highly acidic, which weakens the enamel on your teeth and makes them more susceptible to cavities and dental erosion. The level of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and/or tartaric acid is usually high in sugar-free drinks so it’s best to avoid them.
But it doesn’t stop with sugar free. We know the acidity of diet sodas and sugar-free drinks contributes to tooth decay, so what about regular soda? Regular soda is even worse. A 12 ounce can contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar. Sugar feeds the decay causing bacteria in the mouth.
Not sure if you are consuming the two culprits? To know for sure if your diet treat of choice is at risk, read the label and look under the ingredient list for either of the two, sucralose or aspartame. Steer clear of these as much as you can. Better sweetener choices for oral health are xylitol, which comes from the beech tree and has anticavity properties, and stevia, from a plant in South America.
To protect your teeth from artificial sweeteners and help prevent tooth damage, follow these 2 simple steps:
- Opt for water or sparkling water instead of soda. If you prefer some flavor, add a squeeze of lemon or lime to add additional health benefits of vitamin C for healthy gums.
- Rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth immediately after consuming artificially sweetened beverages to dilute their acidic effects on your oral health.
Not only will your teeth thank you, but your body will too.
