As Australians, we’re known for our love of a good ‘cuppa’ and a cold beverage on a scorching summer day. Among these, Coca-Cola has carved out its own niche, often accompanying us on long drives or as a refreshing pause in our busy lives. However, while we may relish the fizz and the zing, we’re also acutely aware that our fondness for this sugary drink might be doing more harm than good, particularly to our teeth.
The damage that fizzy drinks like Diet Coke can inflict on our dental health is no trivial matter. The high acidity levels in these beverages can erode tooth enamel, leading to a host of dental issues. But before you think about giving up your daily Diet Coke fix, there’s a simple habit that could mitigate the damage, and it comes straight from the dentist’s chair.
A young Australian Coca-Cola enthusiast recently shared a revelation from her dentist visit that has since garnered a lot of attention. During her appointment, Claudia was candid about her nearly daily consumption of Diet Coke. Her dentist, concerned about the acidic impact on her teeth, suggested an alternative to quitting the habit altogether.
The hack that Claudia’s dentist recommended is as surprising as it is simple: eat some cheese after drinking your Coke. This advice, which Claudia eagerly passed on to her online followers, is not just a random suggestion but is backed by dental science.
Dr Ben Hargreave, Principal Dentist at Dental Boutique, confirmed the rationale behind this hack to Yahoo Lifestyle. Cheese, being rich in calcium, is beneficial for teeth. But more importantly, the act of eating stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralise the acids from the soft drink. Dr Hargreave also noted that while most cheeses are acidic, camembert is the exception. This cheese is not only non-acidic but also protective of teeth.
So, if you’re someone who can’t imagine a day without a Diet Coke, consider following up with a slice of camembert cheese. Dr Hargreave advises against pairing it with a cracker, which could introduce sugars that feed decay-causing bacteria. Alternatively, chewing sugar-free or xylitol gum can have a similar saliva-inducing, acid-neutralising effect.
It’s important to remember that after enjoying your Coke, you should rinse your mouth with water and wait at least 20 minutes before brushing your teeth. This allows your saliva to do its work and prevents the brushing from damaging softened enamel.
Claudia’s revelation, which has been viewed nearly half a million times, has left many Cokelovers feeling like they’ve struck gold. The simplicity of the trick and the ease of incorporating it into their routine has made it a welcome solution for those unwilling to give up their fizzy indulgence.
Have you tried this cheese hack after your Diet Coke? Or do you have other tricks to protect your teeth from sugary drinks? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let’s help each other maintain our dental health while still savouring the things we love.
Also read: What’s really in your Coke? The health risks you didn’t know about
