Can you handle the tooth about soda? You're about to find out. 

Americans drink more than 50 gallons of soda per person each year, according to the American Dental Association. That's a lot of soda. The question is -- are these sodas, particularly diet sodas, rotting your teeth? Recent studies definitely point to diet soda's negative effect on dental health, but the research is still preliminary. {relatedarticles}

Diet Sodas & Tooth Decay 

In May 2013, diet soda made a splash in national headlines because of a report the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) released. The study compared the effects of three subjects' addictions on their dental hygiene. One subject had meth addiction, one had a cocaine addiction and the final subject had an addiction to soda. 

The scientists' findings? All three subjects had the same types and severity of erosion to their teeth. And the decay was drastic. Furthermore, researchers and scientists have shown that it's not necessarily sugar that's the culprit in tooth decay, but rather acidity. 

Soda is unquestionably acidic: 

• Water has a pH level of 7, (which is meant to be human's primary source of fluid intake);
• Soda has a pH of approximate 2.5; and
• Diet soda fares only slightly better at around 3.2. 

These acidity levels are close to that of vinegar; no wonder they can rot your teeth! {relatedarticles}

To be fair, it's important to note that none of the subjects in the AGD's study practiced good dental hygiene, nor did they visit the dentist regularly. These issues undoubtedly contributed to their tooth decay. 

It goes without saying that if someone drinks several liters of soda a day (as many who have a soda addiction do), their teeth will probably be the least of their worries; greater health concerns are at stake. 

The Effects of Diet Soda on Health 

Negative effects on teeth are only one downside to drinking diet soda. Your waistline may be affected, too – adversely. For instance, Dr. Mark Wiley, MSM, OMD, PhD, reported on a study in which “there was a 70 percent greater increase in waist circumference among those who drank diet soft drinks as compared to those who didn't.” {relatedarticles}

And according to Prevention, there are six other reasons you might want to steer clear of drinking diet soda: 

• DNA Damage – Diet sodas may damage your DNA. If it sounds scary, that's because it is. Diet sodas contain a chemical that regular sodas don't: mold inhibitors. These chemicals, or preservatives, can severely damage cells and lead to allergies, hives, asthma and skin/eye irritation.
• Kidney Problems – Researchers found that diet soda consumption can double the risk of kidney function decline, which they speculate is due to the artificial sweeteners diet soda contains.
• Obesity Culprit – Diet soda may be touted as a good substitute while dieting, but the artificial sweeteners in the drink can affect a person's sensitivity to sweetness and lead to overeating.
  
• Speeds Alcohol Absorption – Diet soda allows alcohol to enter the bloodstream faster than sugar-containing drinks. Opting for mixed drinks made with diet sodas and other sugar-free mixes today could mean a bigger hangover tomorrow.
• Metabolic Dysfunction – Even moderate intake of diet soda has been linked to metabolic syndrome, a precursor for conditions such as high cholesterol, abdominal fat and heart disease.{relatedarticles}
• Reproductive Issues – Not only is soda subpar, but so is the can it's sold in. Metal soda cans contain bisphenol A (BPA), which can interfere with your endocrine glands and affect reproduction, as well as negatively impact heart health. 

Other Things that Increase Risk of Tooth Decay 

There are plenty of other factors that can affect dental health. Anything that contributes to the erosion of enamel on your teeth can increase your risk of decay. Some of the things that may affect your pearly whites include:

•  not practicing good oral hygiene (a no-brainer, but often neglected);
• dried fruit and candy (high in sugar and sticks to the teeth);
• starchy foods (the starches in food can mix with an enzyme in your saliva and create an enamel-eroding acid);{relatedarticles}
• fruit juices (whether sweetened or not, fruit juices are acidic and have lots of natural sugars);
• smoking;
• certain health conditions such as HIV and diabetes;
• pregnancy;
• drinking alcohol excessively; and
• lack of fluoride. 

Practicing Good Dental Hygiene 

If a healthy, white smile is one of your objectives, you will want to take other measures in addition to staying away from overly acidic drinks like diet soda. Practice the good dental hygiene practices recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). 

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, the ADA suggests the following habits: 

• Brush two times a day;
• Use a soft-bristled brush;
• Select a brush that suits the shape and size of your mouth;{relatedarticles}
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months;
• Use ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste;
• Floss once a day; and
• Stick to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary guideline of a whole foods diet containing mostly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins. 

A Little Common Sense Goes a Long Way  

When it comes to what you put into your body and what's best for your health, a little common sense goes a long way. Look at the nutrition label on a diet soda can. You'll find ingredients listed such as artificial flavors, sodium benzoate, aspartame, potassium citrate and acesulfame potassium. Do you know what these ingredients actually are? 

A good rule of thumb to follow is that if you don't know what it is, it was likely made in a laboratory. If you can't pronounce it, you probably shouldn't be ingesting it. 

Alternatives to Diet Soda 

If you want to drink diet soda as a replacement drink while on a weight loss plan, there are healthier alternatives. Try making water your go-to beverage. You can add a little natural flavor to your water by throwing in some fruit slices or a couple of mint leaves.  

Many dieters also tend to use diet soda as an appetite suppressant, but there are other ways to accomplish the same effect. You can try: {relatedarticles}

• nibbling on very low-calorie foods, such a celery or lettuce;
• keeping your mind distracted and busy until your next meal;
• chewing sugar-free, dentist-recommended gum; and
• brushing your teeth (many people dislike eating directly after brushing). 

Lesson for the day: Think twice before you pop the can of another diet soda. Your teeth and your body will thank you.