As more people adopt a healthy lifestyle, healthier food and beverage options such as sugar-free drinks are becoming more popular. While consuming diet or less sugary drinks is a healthier choice and poses a lower risk of tooth decay, it does not remove the risk entirely. Like sugary drinks, many sugar-free drinks are also high in citric acid and phosphoric acid, which can wear down the teeth's protective enamel and form cavities.
In the early stages of tooth erosion, the protective layers of tooth enamel are stripped away. As it progresses, it can expose the softer dentine or pulp of the tooth. Teeth with weaker enamel may become more sensitive to temperature and susceptible to cracks and stains. That said, every individual's susceptibility to tooth decay and enamel loss varies according to their dental hygiene habits, lifestyle and diet.
If you enjoy sugar-free or sugary drinks, the best time to have them is with your meals. Continuous sipping throughout the day will cause more damage to your enamel as acid is constantly re-exposed. With that, your saliva does not have enough time to neutralize your mouth's pH. Wait about 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth. Alternatively, while waiting, you may gargle your mouth with water first to wash out the remaining acid.
Other ways you can adapt to protect your teeth by:
Using a straw to minimize contact with damaging acids and sugars
Having dairy and other calcium-rich food to help neutralize acids
Avoid acidic and sugary drinks before bed
Consuming acidic and sugary beverages in moderation
Maintaining good dental hygiene habits
Dr Steven
Soo is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental
Group®. He was formerly a Clinical
Lecturer at the Eastman Dental Institute and Clinical Teacher at the
GKT Dental Institute, both of which are affiliated with the
University of London. Dr Soo has a special interest in prosthetic
and implant restorative dentistry.
www.specialistdentalgroup.com
| (65) 6733 7883
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