Is Sugar-Free Soda (or Diet Drinks) Really Better for Your Teeth?

When it comes to drink choices, there’s really only one switch that will benefit your oral health, and that is to commit to drinking water for hydration. All other drinks should be enjoyed in moderation, and with an awareness of the potential impact on your teeth.

Let’s explore this in more detail and look at why sugar free drinks might not be as great for oral health as first thought.

Are sugar free drinks safe for teeth?

The short answer is no, they’re not safe for teeth. While they might be better for your teeth than full sugar fizzy drinks, they still have some downsides that you need to consider.

While sugar free drinks might be free from the enamel attacking sugar that makes other drinks so bad for your oral health, they still contain high levels of citric acid or phosphoric acid, which can also attack the tooth enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to decay.

Certain fizzy drinks will also include dark colours. When combined with acids, these can first attack the enamel and then infiltrate the tooth, leading to a build up of stains. If you regularly drink sugar free drinks like cola, then this could lead to increased staining over time.

Is there any way to enjoy sugar free drinks?

We don’t want to say that you have to swear off them forever, as there should always be a way to enjoy sugar free drinks in moderation. Simply being aware of the impact on your teeth could help you to make better choices.

You can also try drinking your favourite fizzy drink with a straw, as this will limit exposure to your teeth, which can protect your teeth from the damaging effects. 

You could also make sure that you only enjoy these during meal times, as this is a time when you will be producing more saliva, which will protect your teeth.

Another really simple way to protect your teeth from acid erosion is to always have a glass of water alongside your fizzy drink. This will help to flush away any potentially harmful acids and prevent them from sitting on your teeth for an extended period.

You can also pair your drink with something that will help to remineralise the teeth. For example, a small piece of cheese will help to trigger saliva production while also providing the minerals needed to protect your teeth.

What about alcoholic drinks?

If you often reach for a mixer drink with a diet fizzy drink because you believe it to be better than the sugar-laden alternatives, we have some bad news for you. The alcohol will also be bad for your teeth, as this will be high in sugar.

The least damaging choice would be something like vodka and diet soda water, but this should also be enjoyed in moderation. Having a drink with a small piece of cheese could provide limited protection, but there are also dangers associated with alcohol consumption.

Final thoughts on sugar free soda

There is a common misconception that sugar free fizzy drinks are better for your oral health than the full sugar versions. Sadly, this isn’t the case, but enjoying your drink with a main meal, or drinking through a straw can limit your exposure to the harmful acids, which will allow you to enjoy your favourite fizzy drinks in moderation.