Dispelling the Myths on Diet Soda: One Sip at a Time

As the weather starts to temper toward warmer temps, individuals across the country -- both males and females -- quickly begin scrambling to drop five pounds, ten pounds, and maybe even more. It’s when most of us turn to the low-carb, portion control servings; the in-season fruits and veggies; and the diet colas.

While portion control servings, fruits, and veggies are part of an essential healthy diet, most Americans are unaware of the potential health hazards associated with diet soda, especially when it comes to dental health. And, since more than half of the US population drinks diet soda every day – with the percentages increasing an average of 20% to 25% per year, more and more lack general knowledge of the hazards of diet soda, which can wreak havoc on one’s dental and overall health.

Many may think that drinking diet soda is a great alternative to the regular pop and sugar-laden coffee drinks. But did you know that the low or no-calorie drink, and all of its artificial flavors and chemicals, can affect kidney functions, metabolism rates, and even obesity, countering the intentions many have for the summer months?

What’s also startling is that most Americans are unaware of how diet soda can negatively affect their dental health. According to Healthy Living of MSN, diet soda has an acidity rate of 3.2, ranging closer to that of a battery than of actual water. As such, the high levels of acid can erode enamel and contribute to the onset of cavities, especially if one does not maintain optimal dental habits, like brushing two to three times a day and floss daily.

In addition, many Americans rely on the addicting carbonation throughout long, extended periods of time, like when punching the clock from nine-to-five. Like most, guzzling a can might not necessarily be a lunch-time habit; instead, many find themselves sipping on a can throughout the length of the day, during a period of several hours.

So, what are the long-term, potential consequences, you might ask? As the Huffington Post reports, a recent study published in the journal of General Dentistry reveals the long-term dental effects of drinking large amounts of diet soda, over an extended period, to the same as being addicted to crack cocaine and even meth. Cavities, enamel erosion, oral sores, and gum recession are just some of the long term effects that can affect the average American.

Despite these startling facts, there’s no need to start kicking all of the cans to the curb – at least, not yet. First, information and being educated is key, which is our intended first step. As with all things, it’s best to sip on diet sodas in moderation and wean yourself of off the flavored bubbles, little by little, to help make lessening your intake more bearable.

For more information on healthier alternatives, please visit www.drjohns.com.