Do You Drink Diet Soda?

Many people choose diet soda rather than regular soda because they don’t want to gain weight. They figure that without the sugar, their weight is safe. They may also think that without the sugar, their teeth are safe. Boy, are they wrong. Diet soda can be as bad for your teeth as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, according to a recent study.  Diet soda may not have sugar but it has plenty of acid. It contains phosphoric acid and citric acid, both damage your teeth by eroding tooth enamel. The acids also dissolve the underlying layer of dentin. According to the study, “meth mouth” and diet “coke mouth” look startling the same in intensity and the extent of damage. So…do you drink diet soda?

Diet Soda

As is commonly done, the 30-year-old female soda drinker who partook in the study chose to drink diet soda due to her concerns about weight gain and tooth decay. After three to five years, to her chagrin, her teeth presented with the same amount of damage as if she had been doing meth or crack cocaine. She drank the soda directly from the bottle or can and held it in her mouth before swallowing. The study compared the 30-year-old female to a 29-year-old meth addict who used meth for three years and drank three cans of non-diet soda each day for the same amount of time, and a 51-year-old crack cocaine user who abused crack for 18 years. All three individual’s teeth were similarly damaged.

Researchers admitted that this was an extreme case. However, people should be aware that all soda is highly acidic regardless of its sugar content. The researchers stress the importance of practicing healthy oral hygiene, particularly for soda drinkers, but regardless of what you eat or drink, by brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly.

About Your Reno Dentists

Dr. William Wager, Dr. Brian Evans, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.