Diet Soda vs. Regular Soda: Which is better for teeth?

When most patients ask Dr. Milan Yazdani this question, they're thinking strictly about sugar content — cut out the bacteria-feeding sugar that's present in regular soda by opting for a diet soda and it will be better for your teeth. That seems logical, right? Well, there's a bit more to it than that. Let's take a closer look at how any kind of soda can affect your dental health.

Diet Soda – Why it can also lead to tooth decay

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.

Some patients also enjoy drinking orange juice or other citrus juices. These drinks are high in citric acid and have the same effect on the enamel of your teeth.

So what about regular soda?

We know the acidity of diet sodas and sugar-free drinks contributes to tooth decay, so what about regular soda? Like we alluded to earlier, regular soda is high in sugar — a 12 ounce can contains roughly ten teaspoons of sugar — and sugar feeds the decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. This also includes sports drinks and energy drinks, which are highly acidic and loaded with sugar too. So these drinks are a double-whammy of sugar and acidity your teeth and body simply don't need.

The problems caused by both diet and regular soda is exacerbated when you sip on them throughout the day. If you drink it all in one sitting, you won't be washing sugar and/or acids over your teeth all day long and your saliva will have a chance to neutralize the pH in your mouth.

The best beverages to drink and how to drink them

Drinking beverages that are lower in acid is a good step to take to keep your enamel strong. According to a study conducted by Matthew M. Rodgers and J. Anthony von Fraunhofer at the University of Michigan, your best bets are plain water, black tea or coffee, and if you opt for a soda, root beer. These drinks dissolved the least amount of enamel when measured 14 days after consumption of the beverage.

If you still choose to drink soda, diet soda, sugar-free drinks, or juices here are some other tips to lessen tooth decay:

  • Drink your soda or acidic beverages through a straw to minimize contact with teeth
  • Rinse with water immediately after consumption of the beverage
  • Avoid brushing your teeth between 30 minutes to an hour after drinking the beverage as this has been shown to spread the acids before your saliva can bring your mouth back to a neutral pH
  • Avoid drinks that have acids listed on the ingredients label

Still have questions about soda, sugar, and acid? Give our Aurora office a call and we’d be happy to help!

What PatientsAre Saying

“Dr. Milan Yazdani has been our family dentist since 1998. During our first visit, I recall being impressed with his knowledge, skill and genuine regard and conscientiousness to create a trusting and caring environment for patients; which has consistently been our reality over the past 19 years. Dr. Yazdani has partnered with us to provide the best dental are available, and we consider ourselves fortunate that he chose to locate his practice in Aurora. I find that the special interest and consideration that Dr. Yazdani has for his patients exceeded expectations and is welcomely appreciated.”

~ Nadia C.

“Myself and my now adult children have been Dr. Yazdani’s patients for 17 years! He and his staff are customer focused. They are professional, welcoming, courteous and experts in their field. Appointments are always on time and the facility is very clean. We actually look forward to our dental visits! Our expectations are met each and every time. Thanks Dr. Yazdani and crew!”

~ Eva C.

“My family and I have been patients of Dr. Yazdani for 15 years now. The clinic itself has state of the art technology and the friendly staff are always there to greet you with a smile. Dr. Yazdani cares for his patients; he is very pleasant and always explains what he is doing. Our appointments are always on schedule and if there’s ever an emergency, they try to accommodate you in every way possible.”

~ Susan R.

“Dr. Milan Yazdani has been my dentist for over 23 years, and my wife and I will continue to see Dr. Yazdani for as long as he practices, as he is an excellent dentist and has provided outstanding services. My wife and I have known his staff for many years and they are professional, courteous, helpful and enjoyable to deal with. Dr. Yazdani has taken a personal interest in our dental health and has provided a lot of good advice in maintaining our oral hygiene. We always look forward to seeing Dr. Yazdani for our scheduled appointments.”

~ Rob and Mary

“Our family has been coming to Dr. Milan Yazdani for dental care since he first opened his practice in Aurora. We have been to many dentists over the years, and have found Dr. Yazdani to excel them all in his professionalism and knowledge, his consultative, caring and sensitive approach, and we find his entire team to be friendly, flexible, professional, knowledgeable and efficient.”

~ Pat M. and Peter S.

“The Yazdani Dental office has serviced my family for over 20 years. My children, now young adults, have received the best care from a staff that has, for the most part, remained intact all this time. Their manner is friendly, courteous and professional. I highly recommend them!”

~ Gord D.

“On my first appointment with Dr. Yazdani, I immediately noticed how welcoming everyone was. The secretary, Lina, was very personable and kind. Dr. Yazdani was very thorough and professional, and I felt very valued as a patient. His staff is amazing and they are always very friendly. Six years later, my whole family frequents the office and I highly recommend him to anyone that is looking for a great dentist.”

~ Natasha V.

“I have now been cared for by Dr. Yazdani and his capable staff for a number of years. Previously dental visits were a cause for reluctance and discomfort - not so with Dr. Yazdani and staff. Visits are pleasant and efficient with minimal and infrequent discomfort. Couldn’t recommend Yazdani Dental any higher!”

~ John G.

“Dr. Yazdani is an excellent dentist who main priority is making sure his patients are comfortable and getting the best dentistry he can offer. The staff is very accommodating and friendly; the office is always very clean.  Dr. Yazdani has been my dentist for 13 years and I would highly recommend hi to all my friends and family.”

~ Rebecca G.

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Milan Yazdani for a number of years. He’s always been very conscientious whether he's doing a tooth extraction, or filing a cavity. He never makes you feel nervous. His dental hygienists have been helpful with home dental care instructions. The receptionist greets you cheerfully and makes you feel relaxed.  If you are looking for an exceptional dentist, I would highly recommend Dr. Yazdani.”

~ Gareth J.

“We have patients of Dr. Yazdani for 20 years, and have been extremely happy with him and his whole team!”

~ Christina, Bill, Mary Anne, and Beth
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