Can soda really be healthy for you?
Some prebiotic soda brands have claimed just that! They often boast a lower calorie count and have little or no sugar, but that isn’t all. Brands claim these beverages can improve your gut health with prebiotics that feed the good bacteria living there.
But, it’s still soda, right? How good for you can it be?
While it may have some positive effects on gut health, these drinks have no beneficial impact on oral health. Even with less sugar, most of these drinks contain some form of acid, whether it is used for flavor, as a prebiotic (such as apple cider vinegar), or to create carbonation. Acid can wear down and damage your tooth enamel, which increases the risk of cavities.
Still, the much lower sugar content does make prebiotic soda a better choice than regular soda for most people. To mitigate the risk of damage from the acid, use a straw while drinking these beverages to keep the liquid from coming in direct contact with your teeth.
Fluoridated tap water is the best beverage choice for your teeth and your whole body. If you do enjoy a prebiotic or even traditional soda once in a while, that is okay. Drinking water afterward can help to wash away any sugar and acid that might be trying to stick around. Always keep up with your regular brushing and flossing in order to keep teeth clean and healthy.
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
