Diet soda contains less or no sugar, so it's bound to be less risky for your teeth, right? It's just as bad, according to a recent report published in General Dentistry. This is because sugar, says the report, is hardly to blame. Both regular and diet soda have the same level of acidity, which can melt through the tough enamel. While diet soda contains less sugar for bacteria to feed on, the high level of acidity can spell disaster for your pearly whites.

When researchers compared three sets of teeth—the first from a meth user, the second from a cocaine user, and the third from a heavy soda drinker—the resemblance was striking. Soda eroded teeth as much as cocaine and meth did. Worse, all three sets of teeth were in an advanced state of decay.

Keeping soda intake to a minimum and brushing your teeth every day can prevent tooth decay and tooth loss. In response to the aforementioned study, the American Beverage Association reminded the public to drink moderate amounts of carbonated drinks.

Keep in mind that soda is never meant to be consumed like water. If you insist on drinking soda, make sure to follow it up with good oral hygiene. If you can't brush your teeth or gargle with mouthwash after drinking soda, you should gargle with water to protect the enamel. Remember that tooth enamel is the only thing standing between bacteria and the more sensitive areas in your tooth. 

Many people get stressed and anxious in the dentist's chair; a situation that could affect the efficiency of their treatment. Thankfully, dentists can now keep you relaxed and cooperative in any procedure by using different types and levels of dental sedation.

One of the most popular forms of dental sedation is nitrous oxide or N₂O, a gas that is administered by inhalation using a nose mask. The gas can effectively relax the patient and send him in a euphoric and relaxed state while still conscious, in just a matter of minutes. Oftentimes, this is given together with a sedative to reduce pain. When given a combination of N₂O and sedative, a patient will have no memory of the treatment.

There are also sedatives given through IV or intravenous drip. These medications go directly to the blood stream which brings about their effectiveness. Unlike in nitrous oxide gas solutions, the patient can be rendered very near a state of unconsciousness, depending on the patient's needs and health condition.

General anesthesia is often used for the most complex dental services such as implants or root canal procedures. For these, the patient will be rendered completely unconscious. Dentists have to be very careful when administering general anesthesia, though, as many adverse complications could develop on the patient. 

Some people, even adults, fear going to the dentist which prevents them from getting the proper dental care they need. This anxiety results to toothache, teeth loss and bad breath or halitosis. In extreme cases, complications like heart diseases, diabetes and stroke set in. Fortunately, there are different methods and treatments available to reduce pain and fear when on a dentist's chair.

Oral Sedation

This is the use of a prescription medications to give you a good sleep, and a mild sedative before your appointment so you'll come in the dental office, relaxed and ready for your treatment. Another dose is given in the office to completely give you a good experience and leave you with no memory of it. This benefits those who have dental phobia, have treatments that will take longer than usual, and who have gag reflex.

Nitrous Oxide

Laughing gas is given alone or with sedation to create a pleasant feeling and prevent the patient from being antsy. After five minutes of inhalation, he'll feel cold and experience no pain.

Research findings from the Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg in Sweden show that the common coping practices that could help people get through their dental appointments are creating distraction, distancing themselves mentally from the procedure, prayer, and optimism. These methods and treatments can help anyone get through his dental treatment but taking care of one's teeth is still the best solution.