Diet sodas have long been touted as healthier alternatives, but over the past few years, there has been a rise in sodas that actually claim to have health benefits. Prebiotic and probiotic sodas claim self-space by smoothies and sparkling water, and they typically have oh-so-trendy packaging. But are these healthy sodas good for your teeth?
What Are ‘Healthy Sodas’?
‘Healthy sodas’ are the ones that say they are prebiotic and/or probiotic. Those with a soft spot for soda rejoice at the idea that versions of their favorite flavors might actually be good for them, rather than just taste good.
These sodas typically have fiber in them, either from apple cider vinegar or another ingredient, like marshmallow root. They’re said to improve your gut health, and ergo, your overall health.
Are Healthy Sodas Actually Healthy?
If you’re wary about the idea of healthy sodas, you’re not the only one. Many things that claim to be healthy or better for you than the alternatives aren’t actually.
Take fluoride-free toothpaste, for example. Many people think that fluoride is bad for you. However, the amount of fluoride you’d need to ingest for it to be toxic is far beyond what’s in your toothpaste. As a matter of fact, you need fluoride to prevent tooth decay and remineralize your enamel! So, opting for fluoride-free toothpaste can give you fresher breath, but won’t work as well to prevent cavities.
Enter in healthy sodas. Normal soda tastes good, but that’s pretty much its only purpose. Do prebiotic and probiotic sodas actually have health benefits? In short: yes. Compared to traditional sodas, they can feed the good bacteria in your gut, which can improve your gut health.
What’s important to note here is that most people get enough fiber in their diet already, without needing to add a healthy soda to the mix. These sodas can also increase your sugar consumption. If you’re not used to fiber, they can cause gas and bloating initially.
But all-in-all? If you want a soda you can feel good about drinking, prebiotic and probiotic sodas are a better choice than traditional sodas.
Are Healthy Sodas Good For Your Teeth?
So, healthy sodas can improve your gut health… But are they any good for your teeth?
We’re often cautioned against drinking soda, due to its high sugar content and how acidic it is. Both of these factors combined can soften your enamel. Once lost, enamel doesn’t grow back, so it’s important to do what you can to strengthen and protect it.
Are healthy sodas any different?
About Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an ingredient in several different healthy sodas. It can lower blood glucose levels, has anti-microbial properties, and may boost weight loss. However, it’s highly acidic. What this means is that it can erode your tooth enamel.
In sodas, it’s diluted, which helps, but you still want to drink it through a straw to play it safe. This is because when you drink through a straw, less of the beverage makes contact with your teeth.
About Citric Acrid
This is one of the main culprits behind why traditional sodas are bad for your teeth. Some healthy sodas have citric acid on the ingredient label, just like normal sodas. You should take all the precautions you do with normal sodas in order to prevent dental erosion, like minimizing your consumption of them, not sipping on them throughout the day, and using a straw whenever possible.
About Carbonation
When drinks are carbonated, they have carbonic acid. This by itself typically won’t hurt your teeth, so if you’re worried about whether healthy sodas are good for your teeth because of carbonation, it’s likely that this isn’t a factor. You more want to focus on the acidity, sugars, sweeteners, and other additives.
For instance, it was found that water and sparkling water were about the same in how they affect your teeth. Sparkling water is slightly more acidic, but not by much. So, carbonation alone isn’t necessarily bad for your teeth, it’s what else is added that can increase your risk of enamel damage and cavities.
Are They Better Than Normal Sodas?
Whenever it comes to something that impacts your health, it’s best to consult with a medical professional. Different things affect people differently, so what could be perfectly healthy for one person could be bad for you. If you want to know whether or not healthy sodas are a good choice for you, it’s best to talk to your doctor and dentist.
That said, typically, yes, healthy sodas are better alternatives than traditional sodas. Consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about healthy options for you, personally.
Keep Your Teeth Healthy With VIP Smiles
VIP Smiles is here to help you keep your smile bright and white. If you have any questions about what is good for your teeth or how you can minimize dental erosion from drinking sodas, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’ll provide you with personalized advice so that you can do what you need to to keep your teeth healthy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.