One of our team members came across this fascinating article the other day, and it got us thinking. Most people don’t consider the link between sugar free drinks, candies and other treats and tooth decay and damage, but they really should. It’s easy to feel like these “sugar free” products give us a free pass, that we can consume as many as we want, whenever we want. They’re zero calories, after all. As it turns out, that’s not really the case — and actually, these products can be really damaging to your oral health.
“Sugar Free” Not All It’s Cracked Up To Be
The original study came out of the University of Melbourne’s Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre, and it found that sugar-free foods and beverages can cause a significant amount of tooth decay and enamel erosion. How can that be, though? It all comes down to what has been used to create that sweet flavor after the sugar is removed — namely, substances like citric acid and phosphoric acid.
Researchers found that consumption of diet soda (like, ahem, Diet Coke) led to tooth enamel that was softened by 30 to 50 percent. That’s because when combined to produce a specific flavor (often used for tanginess), substances like citric and phosphoric acids react — and the result of this reaction is serious erosion. Unfortunately, once enamel is gone, you can’t get it back. In serious cases of erosion, all enamel is dissolved and the pulp is exposed.
Protecting Your Teeth From Decay and Erosion
To help keep your tooth enamel strong and decay-free, the best idea is to consume foods and beverages that are low in sugar or naturally sugar free. But if you can’t get past your daily diet soda habit, or if you find yourself eating sugar-free candy from time to time, try rinsing your mouth out with water after you’re finished to protect your tooth enamel. Choosing tap water will give you an extra boost of fluoride to strengthen the surface of teeth even more.
Some additional healthy-smile tips to remember are listed below.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, every single day.
- Floss daily, preferably at night after brushing.
- Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet with low sugar (or “sugar free”) consumption.
- Visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months.
When was your last visit to Dr. Cuomo’s office? If it’s been more than six months (or if you can’t remember the last time you settled into the dental chair), don’t wait to schedule an appointment for a checkup and cleaning. Regular preventive care is crucial for teeth that stay healthy for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Request your appointment online today!
