If you think ‘diet’ sodas are better for you, we have some bad news. Sugar substitutes have been studied far more than most drugs and findings show they cause interferences with how you react to food. Research has even linked drinking diet soda to bigger waists — 70% bigger than in people who avoided artificial sweeteners altogether.
Every time you eat or drink something, there’s a reaction in the mouth described as an acid attack. Bacteria in your mouth feed this acid. Whether you’re sipping a diet cola or one full of high fructose corn syrup, an acid attack is prompted. The only thing that does not trigger this is water.
Because artificial sweeteners don’t register in the brain’s satiety center so they actually urge you to crave sugary treats at a nagging level. They also train your taste buds to find satisfaction only when they detect intense sweetness. Fake sugars and diet sodas complicate your ability to lose weight and up your risk of metabolic syndrome, which precedes diabetes, heart disease, and more.
Another issue is the misconception that a no-calorie soda cancels out the calories in those Oreos. This could prompt you to eat more, and more often. The more you eat, the more your mouth has to undergo acid attacks. And, the greater risk you have for cavities, gingivitis and other problems.
While artificial sweeteners are bad, sugar is no ‘good guy.’ Sugar tends to lowers HDL (good) cholesterol and raises bad triglycerides. It also attaches to proteins that create destructive substances, which increase your risk for heart disease, joint stiffness, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, kidney problems, bone fractures, wrinkles and vision loss.
Your six-month oral hygiene visits are structured so you can avoid more expense and treatment time by catching problems while they are still small. Call us at 1-866-9-Smiles to schedule your visit if you are behind on these check-ups.
