Wondering if diet pop provides some protection for your teeth? Diet pop contains the same acids as regular varieties, and can erode away the enamel on your teeth as well as cause decay.

So what can you do to reduce your risk of decay? The best way is to cut down on the amount of soda you drink. Next time you’re thirsty, reach for milk or water, or even a thirst-quenching fruit like grapes, watermelon or apples. Here are some other tips:

• Avoid sipping soft drinks, or any liquid other than water, throughout the day. Instead, drink them in a short time with food or as part of a meal.
• If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water after drinking pop.
• Eat foods that are high in sugar or are sticky and more likely to cause tooth decay during meals rather than between meals.
• Brush and floss regularly to remove the plaque that can lead to tooth decay.
• Ask your dentist about the use of fluoride products to lessen further decay.

The good news is you don’t have to eliminate soft drinks from your diet. But use them sparingly – making them the treat they were originally intended to be.