We’ve all heard that sugar can damage our teeth. Some of our favourite snacks and treats can cause significant damage to our healthy teeth. From cavities to enamel decay, sugar can cause a lot of oral health issues. “As our knowledge of what sugar does to our health, body and oral health, more and more companies began making sugar-free alternatives,” said Dr. Maryam Adibfar, on of Toronto’s best dentists. “While staying away from sugar can deliver great benefits to your health and decrease your changes of obesity, selecting calorie-free options that are artificially sweetened may be doing more harm than good.”
What Sugar Does to Your Teeth
Consuming a lot of sugar can place your oral health at risk. The bacteria in your mouth will actually use the sugars to make acids that can easily erode and damage your teeth. This can lead to cavities, enamel decay and a whole host of other health issues.
What About Sugar-Free Options?
You might think that these sugar-free options are great for your pearly whites. “While not having any sugar present in the foods we eat is a good thing, these artificially sweetened alternatives can actually cause significant enamel damage,” explains Dr. Adibfar. “A recent study found that popular sugar-free drinks like Diet Coke can actually soften tooth enamel by 30-50%!”
The Evidence
Researchers vigorously tested 23 different kinds of drinks that included our favourite pops and performance beverages. They found that the acids and low pH levels actually damage the drinker’s enamel, regardless of whether there is sugar present.
“The chemical mix that is found in these sugar free drinks can cause damage to your teeth,” says Dr. Adibfar. “If your enamel erodes, it can lead to infection and even tooth decay.”
What to Watch Out For
These researches found that citric acid and phosphoric acid, which are commonly found in these types of drinks can cause sizeable damage. Be sure to read the labels and stay clear of these harmful chemicals. These acids are also commonly found in sugar-free gums and candies.
What You Can Do
“If you want to keep your teeth looking healthy, try limiting the amount of these foods and beverages you consume,” says Dr. Adibfar. “if you do drink a Diet Coke or enjoy some sugar-free gum, make sure you rinse your mouth out with water or brush your teeth. This can help keep your teeth looking their best.”
Next Steps
Do you have questions about how to keep your teeth healthy or want to schedule check-up, teeth cleaning or routine exam? Contact us directly! Our team looks forward to seeing you.
And don’t forget to follow Dr. Maryam Adibfar on Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter for the latest dental tips, tricks and advice!
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Simply contact our Davisville dental team directly to make a referral! Now that you know how to combat stains, you can enjoy your coffee or tea to the fullest.