EFFECTS OF ACIDIC DRINKS ON TEETH

We know that it is necessary to keep the body hydrated and hence people resort to carbonated drinks, sodas, soft drinks, sports drinks and all other types of sugary and acidic beverages. Often people assume that sugary drinks are not good for their dental health, but they fail to recognize the bad effects of acidic drinks on teeth. Here we bring an overview of how acidic drinks are bad for your oral health.

What Are Acidic Drinks?

A drink is said to be acidic based on the acid content in it derived from citrus or other additives. The acidity level is measured on a pH scale when the pH value ranges below 7, and the acidity keeps increasing as the pH range falls below 7.

Which Drinks Are Acidic?

If you go through the list of acidic drinks, you might be surprised to find a few drinks because even healthy fruit drinks can sometimes be acidic to your teeth. Citrus fruits carry many health benefits, but too much acidity can also spoil your dental health. Owing to health and diet concerns, people go for sugar-free drinks, but even sugar-free drinks can be acidic and bad for your teeth. Even those fizzy drinks aided with carbonation raises the acidity of drinks. Here are a few examples of acidic drinks, but acidic drinks are not only limited to this list.

Tea
Coffee
Carbonated drinks
Alcohol, especially wine
Citrus fruit juices
Sports drinks
Sodas & Colas

Effects of Acidic Beverages on Teeth

1. Enamel Erosion

The pH range of saliva is 6.2 to 7.6, and when the pH falls below this range, it is known to be acidic, and something above is known to be alkaline. When you consume acidic foods and drinks, the acids wear down the enamel surface. Enamel is the outer protective layer of the teeth that protects the teeth, and when the enamel gets eroded, teeth get chipped and form cavities.

2. Sensitive Teeth

When the enamel wears away, the outer protective layer of the teeth is removed, which exposes the inner tissues of the teeth. The acids and foods that you consume reach the inner layers of teeth, causing sensitivity and toothache.

3. Tooth Discoloration

The carbonated drinks and sodas stain the enamel and discolors the teeth. Teeth discoloration can be permanent and irreversible one which also damages the enamel and weakens the teeth.

4. Increased Risk of Cavities

When the acids wear away the teeth enamel, cavities are formed by the bacteria. These cavities keep extending to the inner tissues of teeth, and on reaching the pulp, it infects the roots of the teeth.

5. Tooth Loss

In rarest of the cases when acidic beverages damage the enamel and infect the roots of the teeth, conditions like tooth loss may also arise. Gums may be damaged too as a consequence of the dental defects caused by acidic beverages.

How to Minimise the Bad Effects Of Acidic Beverages On Teeth?

Instead of drinking acidic beverages, sodas and colas, drink plenty of water. Water is the best beverage that keeps your body hydrated as well as increase the saliva production in the mouth that keeps the dental health intact.
Rinse your mouth with mouthwash soon after drinking acidic drinks to prevent the bad effects of acid on teeth.
Do not keep the acidic drink in your mouth for long and swish it. Instead, swallow it to avoid long contact with teeth.
Drink acidic drinks using a straw to minimize the contact between the teeth and the erosive drinks.
Consume plenty of dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt that strengthen the enamel and the overall dental health.
Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing the teeth and eating tooth-friendly foods and drinks.
Never miss your regular dental check-up and dental cleanings that keep your teeth safe.

Have a check on your daily food and drinks consumption to limit the ones that are acidic and spoil your dental health. Be strict with your dental hygiene practices, and never miss your dental check-up routines. Visit our dental care, The Elite Dental Care, one of the best dental clinics in Tracy, California, the USA for your dental routines and dental treatments. For more dental health tips and dental care procedure, visit our blog at https://theelitedental.com