Why Acidic Drinks Increase The Chances of Developing Cavities
Your teeth may be healthy, but they’re not indestructible. Most beverages contain high levels of acid, which can deteriorate your teeth’s enamel.
Given the popularity of sweetened and acidic beverages, it’s crucial to learn about the harmful effects they can have on your teeth and gums. Read on to learn more
The Dangers of Acidic Drinks
Beverages containing a low pH level can cause several dental health problems, such as enamel erosion. If acid chips your enamel, it won’t grow back because it doesn’t have living cells, so there’s no way for it to heal. If you experience enamel erosion, your teeth may become discolored and sensitive.
Continue reading to learn more about the impact sweetened drinks can have on your oral health.
Why Are Sweetened and Acidic Drinks Bad for My Oral Health?
Sugar isn’t inherently damaging, but excessive consumption of it can wreak havoc on your physical and dental health. It enables the two primary culprits of tooth decay, which are bacteria and acids. Various types of bacteria live on your teeth, and they feed on sugar to grow; this breeds a community of bacteria known as plaque.
Plaque allows bacteria to linger around the mouth until it creates acids that wear your teeth’s enamel down, resulting in cavities. Your gums may become swollen due to a condition called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a more severe disease that can lead to bone and tissue loss in your mouth.
Sweetened drinks, such as fruit juices and soft drinks, are infamous for their high levels of acid, which can cause dentin hypersensitivity. If you develop this condition, you may find it difficult to eat hot or cold foods.
Should I Avoid All Sweetened and Acidic Drinks?
There’s no need to cut out sweet and acidic drinks from your diet completely because several ones are beneficial to your oral health. However, we do recommend you limit your intake and research the types of sugar and acids in them.
Sweetened and acidic drinks and foods, such as milk and yogurt, can protect your teeth and gums from the detrimental effects of acid. Milk aids in a process called remineralization, which is when phosphate and calcium make their way into your teeth’s enamel; this strengthens your oral health. Additionally, milk contains other components that prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth.
If your diet permits, we recommend you consume milk and other dairy products every day.
Reduce Your Intake of These Beverages
Consider only drinking the following beverages once in a while:
Soda, which includes diet ones: Contrary to popular belief, diet soda isn’t more tooth-friendly than regular soda. The National Institutes of Health recommends cutting your soda intake to one can a week.
Citrus fruit juice: Since citrus fruit juices contain healthy vitamins and minerals, you might think they’re healthy for your teeth. However, orange juice, lime aid, and other similar beverages are highly acidic so that they can harm your oral health in the long-run.
Wine: Both red and white wine can deteriorate your teeth because they contain high volumes of acid. Drink these beverages in moderation.
Want to Learn More? Check out Dental Fundamentals
If you found our blog interesting, and want to learn more about oral health, consider enrolling in Dental Fundamentals School of Dental Assisting. We provide hands-on training in a ten-week format, and we teach our students to perform aseptic techniques, identify and utilize instruments, how to process digital dental radiographs and more. Contact us today to schedule a tour.