With July here, summer is in full swing. For people all across the nation this means the swimsuits are going to come out of storage and so is their attention to their waistlines. This is all normal, as even the best of us but on a little fluff during the winter. However, come spring and summer, reality sets back in and so does dieting.
Now, there is nothing wrong with cutting back on your calories intake for the sake of health and a little confidence boost. However, recently dental implant provider Dr. Craig S. Donn and the rest of his staff have been hearing quite a few patients coming in and proclaiming that they have made the switch to sugar-free treats and drinks.
Normally, this wouldnât bother us so much, but due to the sheer frequency with which we are hearing this proclamation, we have decided to write an article explaining why drinking that diet coke might actually be doing more damage to your health than good.
Artificial Sweeteners Are Attacking Your Teeth
Today we have some rather sad news for those of you that have taken to drinking and eating the sugar-free versions of your favorites snacks. If you pay attention, you will notice that they still manage to taste sweet, despite their absence of sugar.
Well, this is due to artificial sweeteners â chemicals that lend something a sweet taste without the use of sugar.
A recent study from the University of Melbourne Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre has released conclusive evidence that the acidic additives in artificial sweeteners can soften your tooth enamel by thirty to fifty percent.
How did they manage to deduce this?
The study closely examined twenty-three different types of sugar-free drinks including diet coke and various sugar free sports drinks like Gatorade. Results proved that due to these drinks low pH levels and the acid in their artificial sweeteners they can, and will, erode your tooth enamel if consumed too often.
âMany people are not aware that while reducing your sugar intake does reduce your risk of dental decay, the chemical mix of acids in some foods and drinks can cause the equally damaging condition of dental erosion,â explains Eric Reynolds, one of the authors on Melbourneâs study and the CEO of the Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre.  âIn its early stages erosion strips away the surface layers of tooth enamel. If it progresses to an advanced stage it can expose the soft pulp inside the tooth.â
This means that if you consume too many sugar-free treats, youâre not actually doing your mouth any favors. In fact, you are leaving it open to other forms of infection that can then be caused by what would otherwise be considered normal use.
As an added fun fact, this study also included thirty-two different types of readily available sugar-free candy. Research showed that candies with a tangy taste were capable of doing the most damage. The reason for this is because tangy candies contain both phosphoric and citric acid. Both of which are capable of eroding tooth enamel on their own, let alone together as a team.
Our suggestion is that you try and remember treats are meant to be just that â a treat. Try to limit your consumption of sweets this summer and if you do indulge, make it seldom and just eat the treats with natural sugar in them. Then go brush your teeth!
Until next time readers, keep smiling.