Diet Soda vs. Regular Soda: Which is Better for Your Teeth?

During the warmer spring and summer months, it’s often tempting to reach for that sweet, carbonated drink to replenish your thirst. Though the crisp, refreshing, and zesty taste may be difficult to find elsewhere, this treat might come at the expense of your dental and even general health. The two main factors in soda which contribute to tooth decay are sugar and acidity. Below is a comparison of the levels of sugar and acid in both regular and diet soda, and some alternative suggestions. 

Sugar: Drinks like Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, and others, are loaded with sugar. A typical 12-ounce can has about 10 teaspoons of sugar… and that’s a lot. Whether you sip on a soda gradually or throughout the day, that’s still 10 teaspoons of sugar which passes through your teeth. (And, no… in this instance, a teaspoon of sugar — or 10 — will not help the medicine go down.) Diet soda, because of the artificial sweeteners, contains a lot less sugar. However, over-consumption of artificial sweeteners are also known to create potential health problems. Nevertheless, in regards to sugar alone, diet soda is the winner. 

Acidity: Both regular and diet sodas have a large amount of acidity, and are actually just slightly less acidic than the acid in our stomachs. A soda’s pH (a measure of the acidity in a liquid; a lower pH means a greater acidity) is only just slightly less acidic than stomach acid.  For comparison, the acid in our stomachs typically reaches a pH measurement of 1.5, while the pH of plain tap water is 7. The pH of coke and regular sodas typically hovers around 2.5, while the pH of diet soda is approximately 3.3. So, between the two, diet coke is actually less acidic.

Summary: Because of the lower amount of acidity and sugars, diet soda is a little better for your teeth, but just marginally. Check out these alternatives: 

If you consume more than one soda a day, try to substitute one of your sodas with another tasty drink. Find a great fruit juice that does not contain all the sugars or an all-natural energy drink. Zevia is a zero-calorie soda with no artificial sweeteners that only contains all-natural ingredients. Even if you consume soda just once a day or once a week, try to alternate between the soda and juice, or regular soda and Stevia soda for awhile. We think you’ll feel a little better and also have more confidence with that beautiful smile!

How to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Love the ooey goodness of homemade brownies? Is it a necessity to pick up a few extra candies from the checkout lane of the grocery store? Always pack a few cookies in your lunch bag to much on during the day? Sweets are definitely a part of our culture, and while it’s okay for many of us to enjoy sugar-based goodies in moderation, too much sugar spikes insulin levels, which may cause us to store excess fat. Excess sugar also contributes to tooth decay. However, it is possible to enjoy a sweet life and also maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few tips for some on-the-go snacks:

Accessorize Your Fruits: Fruits contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting antioxidants. Create a quick and easy dessert with fruits: sprinkle cinnamon, dabble honey, or blend with yogurt. The combination of the juicy fruit with the savory treat will make for a scrumptious snack or dessert.

Freeze Your Fruits: Frozen fruits can dramatically change the texture of a fruit and make for a great summer snack.

Substitute Candy for Energy: While candy bars are easy for us to grab on the go, they are loaded with more sugar than our body likes. It is possible to enjoy a quick snack and also stay healthy. Check out the energy bar section of your grocery store next time you are shopping. Look for the energy bars that are low in sugar or contain lots of fruit. Try to avoid energy bars with artificial ingredients, and go for all-natural or organic ones, which are much easier for our bodies to consume.

Go Dark: If chocolate is a must, then substitute a few pieces of dark chocolate for milk chocolate. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants and has a rich taste. Look for dark chocolates combined with dried fruit or nuts to add a little more nutrition to your day.