Are Diet Drinks Bad for Teeth?

First, let’s answer this question:  What causes cavities?  The answer in the simplest terms is acids.  The longer explanation is this.  Bacteria adhere to your teeth (plaque).  The bacteria then use the sugar you consume and create acids.  The acids eat away at your teeth and form holes.  The cycle continues as the bacteria bore their way deeper and deeper into the teeth.

What is the main thing the bacteria need to thrive?  Sugar.

So are diet drinks also bad for teeth?  Most diet drinks do not contain sugar.  They use some form or another of artificial sweetener.  The good news is that cavity-causing bacteria cannot metabolize these sweeteners to form acids.  The bad news is, just like their “regular” counterparts, diet drinks are extremely acidic in themselves.  Again, what causes cavities?  Acids!  And so, even though the typical path of cavity formation (bacteria eats sugar, releases acids, forms holes in teeth) is not followed as much, these drinks can just bypass the bacteria step and eat away at your teeth on their own.  Pathologically speaking, it is a different type of cavity with different attributes than that of a bacteria caused one.  However, in the big picture, it doesn’t really matter.  In both situations, tooth structure is eaten away and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

 

Drink more water.  There is nothing better!

Limit soft drinks, including diet soft drinks, to meal times.

At the very least, swish around with some water after consuming to remove some of it off your teeth.

"Keep 32" & The Secret to No Cavities

If you’ve watched the news in the past 24 hours, it’s possible you heard about a new dental product in development called “Keep 32” (a reference to the 32 permanent teeth).  The creators claim this molecule can be incorporated into toothpastes, mouthwashes, and candies and will kill Streptococcus Mutans, the main cavity-causing bacteria, in 60 seconds and keep the bacteria away for several hours.  There are many questions I have:  Does it function like an antibiotic?  Will it facilitate growth of resistant bacterial organisms? Can it reach difficult areas where these bacteria like to hide?  How will it affect the body?…Etc.  And so, I await the reports from professional studies where I hope many of my questions will be answered.  The idea of a “miracle molecule” for cavities sounds oh so sweet for dentist-fearing people across the globe. 

I want to tell you something though…some inside information from the dental world.  You don’t need a “miracle molecule” to stop cavities.  The solution already exists.  Here’s the secret:

Treat your body the way it was intended to be treated.

That’s all it takes.  Just like many other things, a little diet and excise goes a long way.

Diet:  Eat healthier, natural foods.  Stay away from sugary foods and drinks.  Minimize processed foods.  Drink lots and lots of water.  Take time and analyze your diet. 

Exercise:  Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly twice a day.

I'm not at all against new products that will help combat tooth decay.  Dentistry is heading in a very exciting direction.  The point is:  tooth decay is a very preventable disease, now.  You have the power to stop it right now.  You don't need an antibiotic.  Step up.  Make a change.  It's better for your whole body, not just your teeth.

Stop Smoking!

Plain and simple, quit smoking and you’ll reduce your risk for:

• Oral Cancer
• Dental Cavities
• Periodontal Disease
• Bone Loss
• Delayed Healing Responses
• Bad Breath
• ...and a long list of other systemic issues that you'd probably rather not deal with.