Your Favorite Drinks Could Be Damaging Your Teeth

When it comes to health, many people are very aware of how food affects their bodies. But what about the connection between beverages and oral health? Whether you enjoy a glass of wine with your dinner or grab a soda at lunch, it’s very likely that many of your go-to drinks are causing problems for your smile. Keep reading to learn which drinks could be damaging to your teeth.

Sparkling Water

Water is very good for both your oral and overall health. But sparkling water is a very different story. On a regular day, a healthy mouth typically has a pH level of 6.3. Scientists have found that teeth begin to demineralize at a pH level of 5.5. The pH level of carbonated water falls between 2.74 and 3.34. This means that drinking this beverage frequently can weaken your enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to decay. 

Wine

It’s very common to have a glass of wine with dinner or at the end of a stressful day. But when choosing a bottle, it’s very rare for people to consider the affects it could have on their teeth. White wine is more acidic than red, so it is more effective at encouraging enamel erosion. On the other hand, red wine is full of tannins that can easily stain both your natural teeth and any dental work.

Soda

Studies have shown that the phosphoric acid found in soft drinks, even the diet ones, can dissolve the protective coating on your teeth over time. Frequent soda drinkers may find that their smile has lost its shine and become dull and yellow, but that is not due to staining. The corrosive properties of soft drinks wear away at this protective coating that gives your teeth their white color and shine, leaving behind exposed dentin. Dentin is the part of the tooth, just below the enamel, that consists of microscopic tubules that allow the nerves and cells in the tooth to be stimulated. When the dentin is exposed, it is very common to develop tooth sensitivity.

Water with Lemon

Most restaurants will bring this drink to you without you even asking. You may enjoy the taste, but this combination can be very harmful to your teeth. Lemons are naturally acidic and carry a pH level between 2 and 2.6, while a lime is about a 2.8. For the sake of your enamel, it’s a good idea to request your water without lemon or lime.

It’s unrealistic to believe that people will stop drinking these beverages altogether to protect their teeth. But there are ways to minimize their effects. One way is to use a straw whenever possible. To minimize staining and the effects of acid, run a wet toothbrush over your teeth after having a glass of wine or sparkling water. Remember, it’s not just what you drink, it’s also how you drink it. 

About the Author

The team of dentists at Orange Place Family Dentistry provides their patients with high-quality dental care. Drs. Jerome Faist and Jed Koops have continued their education to treat their patients using the latest techniques and technology. Their professional affiliations include the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association and more. For more information about how you can protect your teeth, you can visit the website or contact the office at (216) 464-2448.