{"id":80,"date":"2023-01-05T12:34:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T12:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistindallastx.com\/blog\/?p=80"},"modified":"2025-02-04T17:43:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T17:43:19","slug":"what-is-the-effect-of-soda-on-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentistindallastx.com\/blog\/2023\/01\/05\/what-is-the-effect-of-soda-on-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Diet Soda vs. Regular Soda: Which One is Worse for Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You might already grasp that soda isn\u2019t good for teeth. After all, doctors, parents, and even friends will bring up that fact in conversation. Thus, you may opt for \u201cdiet\u201d soda as a seemingly healthier option. However, the truth is that the latter isn\u2019t any better for smiles<\/a> than the former. As for why that\u2019s the case, your Dallas dentist is here to explain. Read on, then, to learn the effect of soda on teeth and how to protect your smile from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Remember: Sugary Sodas Hurt Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just as some context, it\u2019s helpful to recap why regular soda is bad for teeth. Doing so will help you see why diet brands are also harmful.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main reason regular soda hurts teeth is its sugar. When that white carb touches your smile, it attracts bacteria that decay your enamel. Since a 12-ounce soda has nine teaspoons of sugar, it\u2019s thus no surprise that dentists advise against drinking too many. Left unchecked, too much of that beverage could give your teeth loads of cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diet Isn\u2019t Different<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

True enough, diet soda doesn\u2019t include the sugar of regular brands. Even so, research finds that it usually damages teeth as much as regular soda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further study shows the cause of diet soda\u2019s harm. Unlike sugar-sweetened types, sugar-free pop has ingredients that cause dental erosion \u2014 a process that removes enamel and exposes your teeth\u2019s lower layers. One such material is phosphoric acid, while another is citric acid. By bonding with calcium, they weaken teeth, cause tooth sensitivity, and trigger other issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Protect Your Smile from Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, there are ways to protect your smile from soda \u2014 whether regular or diet. The most common of these methods are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n