Is Sugar-Free Diet Soda Safe for Teeth?
No. Most sodas have phosphoric, citric or carbonic acid, which can cause weakened teeth. While sugar-free pop does not have any sugar for bacteria, the acidity of pop can expedite the cavity process.
What does Acid do to Teeth?
Teeth enamel will get thinner, teeth will get more sensitive and the teeth will look more transparent. This effect can be seen with patients who have bullemia. The acidity of soda is only slightly less than stomach acid.
How does Acid Cause Cavities?
Cavities are an infectious disease caused by bacteria. The cavity causing bacteria makes acid from sugar. The acid is what dissolves the tooth enamel and creates holes known as cavities.
What is the Acidity of Diet-Soda? Regular Soda? Energy Drinks?
Below is a table published by Minnesota Dental Association. The lower the number, the worse the drink is to your teeth. As you can see, diet-soda isn’t better for your teeth compared to regular soda.
Do
Drink More Water: If on occasion, you have some pop, drink water to rinse sugar and acidity off teeth.
Use a Straw: Keep soda away from teeth
Don’t
Sip through out the day: Every time you sip, the tooth enamel is weakened for 20 minutes afterwards.
Brush for 20 Minutes Afterwards: The enamel is soft after drinking soda for 20 minutes. If you brush your during this time, your enamel will wear down.
Drink Soda: Both regular and diet pop can cause cavities.
Minnesota Dental Association has a great campaign called Sip All Day, Get Decay®! Check out their website to learn more about the health consequences of sipping pop all day.
Dr. Ella Choi is a certified specialist in pediatric dentistry serving South Surrey, White Rock, Langley and Aldergrove in Beautiful British Columbia.