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Dr. Alan Slootsky D.M.D, M.A.G.D., F.A.C.D. Restorative Dentistry / Oral Health December 10, 2015 |
A new study recently done found that sugar-free beverages can still cause tooth decay. 
Many of us worry about tooth decay taking over our teeth. And some may think that drinking sugar-free drinks is better for the teeth than regular sodas or other beverages. However, simply switching to sugar-free drinks can’t save the teeth from acids that can destroy the enamel and wear down the tissue on the teeth. The study was done by researchers at the University of Melbourne who studied people who drank sugar and sugar-free drinks. They found that there was little difference when it came to whether the drinks lead to tooth decay.
The co-author of the study Eric Reynolds states that reducing sugar intake does reduce the risk of dental decay. However, the chemical mixture of acids from certain foods and drinks can still cause the same amount of dental erosion resulting in damage to the teeth.
The first part of the study consisted of the participants consuming 15 drinks (with and without sugar) that were easily found in Australia schools. All of these drinks except for milk are known to cause tooth decay. In the second part of the study, participants drank water, cola and eight sports drinks. Water caused no decay and cola caused the worse decay, while the sports drinks also decayed the teeth. The only drinks that didn’t wear down the teeth were those that had more calcium in them. Participants also ate sugar-free baked goods and candies, with a number of them containing as much acidity as sugar-free drinks. The fruit flavored gummies were the worst offenders, especially the lemon flavored ones.
It does have to be noted that sugar-free gum can still be an okay substance to consume. This is because it helps to stimulate the flow of saliva which can be helpful for the teeth by washing away bacteria that can stick to the teeth. However, when it comes to beverages, researchers say that it is best to choose the most basic and old-fashioned way of rehydrating – water.
For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000. Dr. Alan Slootsky is a dentist in Pompano Beach, Florida dedicated to bringing patients state-of-the-art dental care. As a cosmetic, family andrestorative dentist, he helps patients enjoy a natural and healthy smile. Dr. Slootsky has integrated a friendly, hands-on gentle approach with highly accurate and patient-sensitive technologies and tools to both identify and resolve problems in a timely and efficient manner. We know most people don’t like to visit the dentist. That’s why we make every effort to make your experience both as effective and as pleasant as possible.
Image: By Renee Comet (photographer) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons