When it comes to protecting your teeth, you’ve probably already heard the warnings about sugary drinks. But how much damage are they doing exactly? And is one drink worse than another?
Between Mountain Dew and Coke, the answer is yes. Mountain Dew is significantly more harmful to your dental health.
This article explores why Mountain Dew is worse for your teeth than Coke, detailing its sugar and acid content, the effects on enamel erosion, and the dental issues it can lead to—and we’ll share tips to reduce damage if you do indulge.
What’s in Your Drink? The Sugar and Acid Content of Mountain Dew vs. Coke
Both Mountain Dew and Coke are high in sugar and acidity, which are key culprits for dental damage.
However, Mountain Dew takes things to a much more dangerous level.
Sugar Content:
- Coke contains approximately 39 grams of sugar per 12-ounce can. While this is quite a lot, Mountain Dew overshadows it with 46 grams per can, the equivalent of about 11.5 teaspoons of sugar.
- Consuming high-sugar beverages coats your teeth, feeds harmful bacteria, and contributes to cavities. A higher sugar content, as seen in Mountain Dew, means an even greater risk.
Acidity:
- Coke has a pH of around 2.5, making it highly acidic, but Mountain Dew is even more acidic with a pH of 3.2. (Lower pH levels indicate stronger acidity.)
- The acid in these drinks gradually wears down tooth enamel, the hard outer layer that protects your teeth.
Combined, Mountain Dew’s higher sugar and acid content make it considerably worse for your teeth compared to Coke.
Why Mountain Dew Is Bad For Your Enamel
Tooth enamel is your first line of defense against decay. Unfortunately, the composition of Mountain Dew makes it especially harmful for enamel erosion. It’s a combination of sugar, acid and caffeine that when consumed in excess can lead to serious dental issues.
The Enamel Erosion Process:
- Acid Weakens Enamel: Every sip starts the clock on an acid attack, softening and wearing away at your enamel.
- Sugar Feeds Bacteria: The sugar in Mountain Dew feeds bacteria in your mouth, leading to the production of even more acid.
- Prolonged Exposure: Because Mountain Dew contains caffeine, people often sip it over a longer period, prolonging the exposure of your teeth to damaging sugar and acid.
Once enamel is eroded, it doesn’t regenerate, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities, discoloration, and sensitivity.
The Dental Issues Caused by Mountain Dew and High-Sugar Drinks
When Mountain Dew becomes a regular part of your diet, the effects on your teeth can be severe and long-lasting. It’s more than just Mountain Dew though, high-sugar drinks like energy drinks and sports drinks can also have the same negative impact.
Here are some common dental issues that can arise from drinking Mountain Dew:
Cavities
Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth consume the sugars from drinks, producing acid that breaks down the enamel. Mountain Dew’s high sugar content amplifies this process.
This acidic environment also wears away at the underlying layers of your teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay.
Tooth Sensitivity
As enamel erodes, it exposes the more sensitive inner layers of your teeth. This makes them more vulnerable to temperature and pressure changes, leading to discomfort or pain while eating and drinking.
Tooth sensitivity can also make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene as brushing and flossing may cause discomfort.
Tooth Discoloration
The acid in Mountain Dew can strip away the outer layer of your tooth, revealing a yellowish or brownish dentin layer underneath.
This discoloration can also be caused by staining from certain flavorings and dyes in the drink.
Tips to Reduce Dental Damage from Sugary Beverages
If giving up sugary drinks entirely feels like a tall order, there are ways to reduce their impact on your dental health:
- Use a Straw: Use a straw to limit direct contact between your teeth and the drink.
- Drink Water Afterward: Rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking to help wash away sugar and acid.
- Don’t Sip Throughout the Day: Reduce the time your teeth are exposed to sugar and acid by drinking your beverage quickly rather than sipping for hours.
- Visit Your Orthodontist: Regular visits to your orthodontist for check-ups can help detect and prevent any potential damage from sugary drinks.
- Brush Mindfully: Wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth to avoid damaging softened enamel.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Gum helps stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and protects enamel.
Healthier Alternatives
The easiest way to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of sugary drinks is to choose healthier alternatives. Water is the most tooth-friendly beverage, but if you’re craving something with flavor, try these options instead:
- Unsweetened herbal teas
- Sparkling water (without added sugar or acids)
- Milk (which provides calcium and strengthens teeth)
Is Mountain Dew Worse Than Coke?
When it comes to protecting your teeth, the evidence clearly shows that Mountain Dew is worse than Coke. With its higher sugar content, greater acidity, and the tendency for prolonged consumption due to caffeine, Mountain Dew poses a significantly greater risk for enamel erosion, cavities, and other dental issues.
While both beverages can cause harm, the unique composition of Mountain Dew makes it more damaging over time. Prioritizing healthier drink alternatives and following dental care tips can help you minimize the impact of sugary beverages on your oral health.
At Damon Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to helping our orthodontic patients maintain healthy, stunning smiles. Whether you’re wearing braces, clear aligners, or just trying to keep your teeth in tip-top shape, avoiding drinks like Mountain Dew is a smart way to safeguard your oral health.
Book a consultation with us today and join the Damon Orthodontics family for a healthier, brighter smile.