It’s well known that Soft Drinks contain high sugar levels, which fastens the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay.
Unfortunately, the alternative to sugar-free soft drinks contains ingredients likely to damage our teeth.
Although sugarless drinks contain less or no sugar, we must consider acidity levels. PH levels determine acidity. The average range of oral saliva is a pH of 6.2 to 7.6. If the pH levels in saliva drop below 5.5, the acids in your mouth can lead to tooth erosion. To put this into perspective, the most common sugar-less drink, Diet Coke, contains a pH of 3.28.
Sugar and Suger-less drink both contain high levels of citric acid (ingredient number 330), tartaric acid (ingredient number 334) that is commonly found in fruit juices and phosphoric acid (ingredient number 338). All of which can influence the breakdown of tooth enamel.
Enamel is the outside protective layer of a tooth. Once the enamel has eroded, this can lead to cavities. When left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss in severe cases. Drinks that contain low levels of acidity help prevent the breakdown of enamel.
Scientific research by Matthew M. Rodgers and J. Anthony von Fraunhofer has found fresh water to have the least acidic effect on teeth. Milk is also quite beneficial to your teeth since it helps restore the pH balance in your mouth.
Cutting down sugars and acidic drinks helps minimise enamel erosionBesidesth considering the beverages you may consume, it’s vital to maintain good oral hygiene practices at home with routine dental check-ups to ensure the longevity of your natural teeth.
