How a beverage affects your teeth and gums depends on many factors, but a drink's level of acidity is the most significant determinant. Anything that measures 5.5 or lower on the pH scale is acidic. These beverages can soften tooth enamel and make your teeth sensitive and highly vulnerable to dental damage, including cavities. Such drinks full of sugar to boot have the potential to be twice or thrice as damaging.
Which beverages harm your teeth?
Before you drink up, here's what dental professionals have to say about some of your favorite beverages.
1. Wine
Compared to white wine, red wine may be better for your dental health because it contains compounds that may help fight tooth decay and gum disease. However, further research is necessary to support the claim, so neither white nor red wine is necessarily good for your teeth.
"White wine is more acidic than red and is, therefore, more efficient at destroying your enamel, leaving you more susceptible to discoloration and staining," explains Dr. Angelika Shein, dentist and managing director at Go! Dental Services.
If you have stained, discolored teeth due to years of drinking red wine, Cunning Dental Group can whiten your teeth today. Call us at (855) 328-6646 to schedule your appointment.
2. Beer
Currently, there's not enough data on how beer affects your teeth, although some evidence suggests that it may offer benefits. For example, some early research shows that hops — a common ingredient in beer — may have positive effects on teeth, including the prevention of cavities.
3. Vodka
Although the pH of vodka is around 4, in some cases, it can jump and be as high as 8. Inexpensive varieties of vodka usually have a lower pH, whereas premium vodkas have a higher pH. Nonetheless, vodka is a threat to your teeth.
Alcoholic beverages also have a drying effect. Keep in mind that saliva is one of the oral cavity's natural defenses against tooth damage and gum infection, so if you consume high amounts of vodka and other alcoholic drinks on a frequent basis, it could be extremely damaging.
As for other liquors, they vary in terms of pH, but the mouth-drying effects are the same. Furthermore, they are more compounded since people tend to sip alcohol slowly, giving liquors more time to do some damage.
4. Water
The world's most recommended drink does not cause adverse effects on teeth. If anything, drinking water benefits your oral health. According to Dr. Shein, "staying well-hydrated increases salivary flow." Plus, the protective minerals in your saliva can protect your pearly whites from decay.
5. Sparkling water
It may not seem harmful since "water" is part of the branding, but according to a study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, sparkling water has a pH level fluctuating between 2.74 and 3.34. It has stronger erosive properties than orange juice.
6. Milk
Many nutritional components in milk, including calcium, help block the attachment and growth of cavity-forming oral bacteria. Therefore, with a pH above 6.5, milk is an overall delicious, healthy beverage that even your teeth will love.
7. Coffee
The drink most of us can't live without, especially on workdays, is slightly acidic, measuring about 5.0 on the pH scale. However, there is evidence suggesting that a morning cup of joe could be good for teeth.
One study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry found that drinking caffeine without any additives may help prevent cavities. So, if you are drinking with your oral health in mind, go ahead and enjoy your coffee, but skip the sugar.
8. Soda
Carbonated drinks or sodas can do a number on your oral health. You might think that the diet, sugar-free varieties are okay, but science says otherwise. There is no difference in enamel dissolution between regular and diet sodas within the same brand.
Interestingly, Shein's colleague Dr. Keith Arbeitman revealed that root beer scores surprisingly well in comparison to other soft drinks, saying it has the same effect on teeth as tap water.
9. Fruit Juice
The majority of fruit juices are concentrated. As a result, regular consumption exposes your teeth to a lot more acid compared to eating the fruit in its natural form. Orange juice has a pH score of 3.5, which is concerning but not as alarming as cranberry juice's pH of 2.6.
To lessen the potential dental damage associated with fruit juices, dilute them with about 50 percent water.
10. Tea
How does tea damage your teeth? It depends on the type of tea.
Freshly brewed tea has a pH above 5.5 in most cases, which is out of the danger zone. The ever-popular green tea may even prevent tooth decay and offer positive effects on gum health.
The effects take a turn if you drink iced teas. Most iced teas have low pH ranging from 2.5 to 3.5. What's more, they are full of sweeteners. Brewed iced teas may even be more damaging than most sodas.
Are there ways to reduce the teeth-damaging effect of bad drinks?
Your choice of beverage today can have a definite and immediate impact on your oral health. Fortunately, you can minimize the damage. When drinking particularly acidic beverages like soda and fruit juices, use a straw to reduce the contact time between the liquid and your teeth.
Also, contrary to popular and widespread belief, you should not brush your teeth right after drinking an acidic beverage. Brushing tooth enamel that your beverage has already softened could do more harm than good. Wait at least 30 minutes after drinking before you brush your teeth.
Are these beverages part of your regular diet?
If you drink a lot of iced tea and other acidic beverages, the best thing you can do for your oral health is to schedule a dental appointment. Here at Cunning Dental Group, we will check the overall condition of your teeth and gums to ensure there are zero signs of decay and infection. Contact us now for a perfect smile guaranteed.
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