When it comes to our teeth, the excessive consumption of sugar is so damaging because oral bacteria feed off sugar to create acids which dissolve your tooth enamel. So can we find a way around by consuming sugar-free drinks instead?
Well, a recent study says it’s a No! In research published in JADA Foundational Science found acids in both regular and sugar-free soda to cause dental enamel to erode. Acidic foods and beverages can wear away the enamel that protects teeth, a process known as tooth erosion. Tooth erosion is permanent and may open the door for bacteria to cause cavities or infection. It can also make teeth appear discoloured, as white enamel is worn away to expose the yellow layer below called dentin.
In this study, researchers wanted to see whether non-carbonated bottled water, flavoured sparkling water and plain sparkling water might cause dental erosion. Recently extracted human teeth were soaked in 7 different sugar-free beverages (and one soda with sugar for comparison) to see which, if any, beverages caused erosion. Teeth were exposed for twenty-four hours, which the researchers considered to replicate a year’s worth of exposure to these beverages. Results showed that acids in both traditional and sugar-free drinks caused dental enamel to erode. Erosion was also observed in flavoured sparkling waters, though it was less than that for sugar containing and sugar-free soda.
This study proves what we already know, but often want to treat as unimportant. Often high in sugar, acid and caffeine, and many energy drinks on the market can do more harm than good, especially when it comes to our teeth. Meanwhile in Chermside dentists struggle with Queenslanders’ obsession with sports drinks causing consternation up and down the East Coast but especially in the Northern regions as the hotter weather causes consumption of “junk drinks” to soar. Especially among young people but here’s the twist – young people’s teeth rot just as fast as old people’s.
According to Teeth.org.au , “Hidden sugars in foods and drinks” increase the risk of tooth decay. It cannot be denied that acid and sugar are major factors causing tooth damage. Hence, dental professionals such as this Gisborne dentist advises no sugar at all.
But how are restaurant or cafe-owners, post-pandemic, gonna trade out of debt if they can’t feed you up on sugar? Desserts and sweets account for 42% of cafe revenue, and because alcohol accounts for 41% of restaurant revenue, desserts may seem a miniscule and trivial revenue-raiser at 12%, but that 12% is significantly responsible for the tooth decay of Sydney foodies. Keeping dentists in business right? What a perfect symbiotic relationship as Sydney CBD dentists live off the Sydney CBD tooth decay caused by Sydney CBD restaurants and Sydney cafes.
But fizzy drinks are a personal branding thing in the age of social media. They accompany all influencer photo shoots, and they’re a cosmetic enhancement to any glamorous groover and her or his cohorts. That’s why any Bayside cosmetic dentist whether in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, knows there’s a buck or three to be made from the in-crowd and their pop-soda guzzling habits.
The American Dental Association offers these tips to reduce tooth erosion from acidic food and beverages:
- Use a straw, sip and swallow – do not swish or hold it in your mouth longer than you need to.
- Wait an hour before brushing to give saliva a chance to naturally wash away acids and re-harden enamel.
- Rinse with water, drink milk or enjoy a snack of cheese right afterward. Dairy and other calcium-rich foods can help neutralise acids.
- Keep saliva flowing to keep acids under control and protect your teeth. You can do so by chewing sugarless gum.
- Look for dental health products like enamel erosion control toothpaste and sugarless gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which indicates the product has been rigorously and independently evaluated by dental experts.
- Practice good oral health every day: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner, eat a healthy diet that limits sugary foods and beverages, and visit a dentist regularly.
Visit MouthHealthy.org for more information on how food and beverage choices can impact teeth.
