It’s well known that Soft Drinks contain high sugar levels, which fosters the growth of bacteria that cause 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 sugarless drink, Diet Coke, contains a pH of 3.28.
Sugar and sugarless drinks both contain high levels of citric acid (ingredient number 330), tartaric acid (ingredient number 334), which 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 enamel has eroded, cavities can develop, and tooth loss can occur in severe cases if left untreated. 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 that fresh water has the least acidic effect on teeth. Milk is also quite beneficial to teeth since it helps restore the pH balance in your mouth.
Cutting down on sugar and acidic drinks helps minimise enamel erosion. In addition to considering the beverages you may consume, it’s vital to maintain good oral hygiene practices at home and have routine dental check-ups to ensure the longevity of your natural teeth.