Health

1-Minute Smile Makeover Tricks

9 little changes that can transform your teeth into the pearly whites you've always wanted -- instantly

by Anna Jimenez

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Quit your diet soda addiction Most of us assume that if our soda is sugar-free, it isn't hurting our teeth. The docs say this is a wrong assumption. It's actually the acids in these drinks, such as citric and phosphoric, that are damaging your enamel, says Dr. Singh. "Consuming these highly acidic drinks on a regular basis means your teeth are under continual acid attack, a process that can lead to tooth erosion."

If you do give in and have a soda, Singh suggests sipping on water immediately after you indulge, which helps neutralize the acid.

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Older comments

I never thought that swimming would change the color of teeth! Very enlightening!

by GigiSD Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 08:53PM Report as inappropriate

Everything in moderation would help with most of these problems. Also I can't imagine brushing with a hard bristle tooth brush. OUCH!!

by krista_dailey Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 10:17AM Report as inappropriate

It's good information. Thank you.

by bksc Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 12:13AM Report as inappropriate

say cheese

by LittleBunny Monday, January 7, 2013 at 11:34AM Report as inappropriate

Informative

by EricaC123 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 07:31AM Report as inappropriate

Great article!

by robyne00 Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 04:41PM Report as inappropriate

interesting

by Nicole2814 Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 08:41PM Report as inappropriate

intriguing

by jaye_tyler Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 01:35PM Report as inappropriate

There are so many things that I never even considered might be affecting my teeth. I am a diet coke girl and I have no desire to quit drinking it. I hear drinking through a straw is better for your teeth than drinking straight from the can.

by flirtygirl214 Monday, July 2, 2012 at 03:33PM Report as inappropriate

birth control? i had no idea it could affect my teeth!

by liliofthevalley Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 08:45AM Report as inappropriate