Dr. Michelle Jorgensen

October 17, 2024

We all know that a big part of getting cavities has to do with acid – whether it’s from what you eat or drink, or even from acid in your mouth. Acidic drinks can also exacerbate acid reflux symptoms, making it important to consider their broader health implications.

But here’s something surprising: it might actually be more dangerous to drink small amounts of these acidic drinks over a long period than to drink a lot in a shorter time. Let me explain why.

Your mouth has a natural defense system, and it starts with saliva. Saliva is amazing – it lubricates your mouth, helps move food around, and most importantly, brings your mouth’s acidity back to neutral. The more time you give your saliva to work between eating and drinking, the better job it does at neutralizing the acid.

Let’s talk about what acid actually does to your teeth and how cavities form. A cavity happens when something pulls the minerals out of your tooth. Acid is the biggest culprit here. When something acidic hits your tooth, it literally starts to dissolve the minerals from the surface.

If you’ve ever seen a video of cola being poured onto a corroded battery terminal, you’ve witnessed how acid can break down minerals. This same thing happens in your mouth when you drink acidic beverages like sodas.

Lemon juice, with its low pH level of 2.25, is among the most acidic drinks tested and has significant erosive effects on dental health. Carbonated beverages can also contribute to dental erosion and exacerbate acid reflux symptoms due to their acidic nature.

The more acid you expose your teeth to, the more porous they become, making it easier for bacteria to crawl in and cause decay. Once bacteria make their way into those holes, they feed on sugars and produce even more acid, creating a cycle that results in cavities. Drinks containing citric acid, such as citrus juices, can further exacerbate acid-related dental issues, as the esophagus is particularly vulnerable to irritation from citric acid.

Enamel erosion is a common problem caused by acidic beverages. Lemon juice, with its low pH level of 2.25, is an example of a beverage that can cause enamel erosion due to its high acidity.

When you drink something acidic, it can wear away the hard outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel. This process is gradual but can lead to significant dental issues over time. Once the enamel is eroded, the sensitive dentin underneath becomes exposed.

Dentin is a softer, more porous layer of tissue that can be sensitive to temperature, sweetness, and acidity. This exposure can make your teeth more sensitive and vulnerable to decay. So, while that refreshing glass of pineapple juice or iced tea might taste great, it’s important to be mindful of its impact on your enamel.

One important thing to understand is that it’s actually better for your teeth to drink something acidic quickly rather than sip it slowly throughout the day. Why? Every time you sip, the pH in your mouth drops, making it more acidic. Carbonated drinks contribute to this drop in pH due to the carbonation process, where pressurized CO2 interacts with water to create carbonic acid.

If you’re constantly sipping, your mouth never has a chance to recover, and the acid keeps pulling minerals from your teeth.

For example, if you love tea and sip it all day, you’re constantly exposing your teeth to acid. It’s the same with drinks like Coke, diet sodas, or energy drinks. I hear this a lot from my patients: “I only drink one can of Coke a day, and it lasts me all day.” But that’s the worst thing you can do! Instead, drink it all at once and then give your mouth time to neutralize the acid.

Another common mistake is brushing your teeth right after drinking something acidic. This is actually the worst time to brush because your teeth are more vulnerable when they’re soft from acid exposure.

If you brush immediately, you risk pulling more minerals out of your teeth, which can lead to erosion over time. Instead, wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before brushing to give your saliva a chance to do its job and neutralize the acid.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the pH levels of some common drinks. A pH level of 7 is neutral, while anything lower is acidic. Lemon juice, with a pH level of 2.25, is among the most acidic beverages tested and has significant erosive effects on dental health due to its high acidity. Here’s what we found:

For example, the pH of soft drinks like Coke is around 2.5, making them highly acidic and harmful to your teeth. Phosphoric acid, a common additive in many soft drinks, contributes significantly to their acidity and can leach calcium from bones and teeth, potentially leading to dental erosion and kidney issues.

In the context of beverages, understanding pH is crucial because it helps determine their potential to cause tooth erosion. A soft drink is a non-alcoholic beverage that typically contains carbonated water, sweeteners, and flavorings. The carbonation process not only gives these drinks their fizz but also impacts their pH levels, making them more acidic and potentially harmful to dental health.

pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline.

To measure pH, scientists use a pH meter, which detects the concentration of hydrogen ions in a substance. In the context of beverages, understanding pH is crucial because it helps determine their potential to cause tooth erosion. For example, the pH of soft drinks like Coke is around 2.5, making them highly acidic and harmful to your teeth.

I was curious about the pH levels of some of the most common drinks. So I tested all of them! Here are the results below.

Kombucha has a pH level of 3 – Kombucha might be good for your gut, but it’s highly acidic and can dissolve your teeth if you sip on it all day. Be careful not to sip on it all throughout the day.

If you do decide to drink kombucha to help aid in your gut health, then make sure that you drink it all at once to prevent enamel erosion and bad dental health.

The pH level of gatorade is 3.5 – This sports drink is almost as acidic as kombucha! Take the same precautions as Kombucha and make sure that you drink it all in one sitting.

Gatorade also tends to have lots of sugar in it so make sure you weigh the pros and cons before taking a sip of this beverage.

Energy Drinks have a pH level of 3.5 to 4 – Just as acidic as some sodas and harmful to your teeth. Once again, if you decide to take these energy drinks then make sure you are drinking them quickly.

But please be aware – there are far better things for your gut and teeth then energy drinks. Natural energy through healthy fruits and vegetables, is the best way to provide your body with energy and keep your body healthy.

Regular Coca-Cola has a pH level of 3 – Very acidic and one of the worst offenders for your dental and oral health. Stay away from this drink as much as you can if you struggle with tooth decay.

Diet Coke has a pH level of 4 – It’s slightly better then a regular Coke, but it is still acidic. Drink quick or don’t drink at all.

Coffee has a pH level of 5 – Coffee is surprisingly even less acidic than soda.

Water has a pH level of 7 – Of course, this is the best option to keep your mouth neutral. Surprisingly some waters are acidic. Watch this whole youtube video below to find out what brands of water are more acidic than others.

As you can see, drinks like Coke, energy drinks, and kombucha can really harm your teeth if you’re sipping on them all day long. Even “healthy” drinks like kombucha or Gatorade can be as acidic as sodas. Weigh the pros and cons to make sure that you are doing the right thing for your dental and oral health.

Acidic beverages can have a significant impact on your dental health. Lemon juice, with its low pH level of 2.25, is among the most acidic drinks tested and has a notable erosive potential due to its high acidity. When drinks like cola, energy drinks, or even fruit juices come into contact with your tooth enamel, they can start to wear away this protective layer.

This erosion exposes the sensitive dentin beneath, leading to tooth sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss. Additionally, acidic beverages can contribute to gum disease and other oral health problems. So, while you might enjoy a can of Diet Coke or a glass of apple juice, it’s essential to be aware of their effects on your teeth.

Consuming acidic beverages can lead to severe dental issues, including tooth loss, abscesses, and gum disease. When enamel erodes, your teeth become more susceptible to decay and eventual loss. Abscesses can form when bacteria infect the pulp of the tooth, leading to painful and potentially serious infections.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause inflammation and infection of the gums, leading to tooth loss and other oral health problems. So, while that can of Coca-Cola or energy drink might give you a quick boost, it’s important to consider the long-term effects on your dental health.

There are several signs and symptoms of damage caused by acidic beverages. These can include:

• Tooth sensitivity: If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour tastes, or pressure, it may be a sign that your enamel is eroded.

• Discoloration: Acidic beverages can cause teeth to become discolored or stained.

• Cracks and chips: Acidic beverages can cause teeth to become brittle and prone to cracking or chipping.

• Gum recession: Acidic beverages can cause gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth.

• Bad breath: Acidic beverages can cause bad breath or a sour taste in the mouth.

  
  

It’s worth noting that some acidic beverages are more likely to cause damage than others. For example, cola drinks like Coca-Cola and Diet Coke are highly acidic, with a pH of around 2.5. Fruit juices like pineapple juice and apple juice are also acidic, with a pH of around 3.5.

Iced tea and energy drinks can also be acidic, depending on the ingredients and brewing method used. So, while these drinks might be enjoyable, it’s essential to be mindful of their impact on your dental health.

Preventing and treating dental erosion caused by acidic beverages requires a combination of good oral hygiene practices, dietary changes, and professional dental care. By making mindful choices about what you drink and how you care for your teeth, you can significantly reduce the risk of enamel erosion and maintain a healthy smile.

One of the most effective ways to prevent dental erosion is to choose healthier beverages. Here are some excellent alternatives to acidic drinks:

• Water: Water is the best beverage for your teeth. It has a neutral pH and helps rinse away acidic substances, reducing the risk of enamel erosion. Plus, staying hydrated is great for your overall health.

• Milk: Milk is a fantastic source of calcium, which can help strengthen tooth enamel. Drinking milk can also help neutralize acids in your mouth, making it a tooth-friendly choice.

• Herbal Tea: Herbal tea is a low-acid alternative to soda and sports drinks. It can be a soothing and healthy option, especially if you avoid adding sugar. You can test the pH level with testing strips from Amazon to see what kind of Herbal Teas are best!

By opting for these healthier beverages, you can protect your teeth from the harmful effects of acidic drinks and enjoy a variety of tasty options.

Using a straw and rinsing with water can also help reduce the impact of acidic beverages on your teeth. Here are some practical tips:

• Use a Straw: When drinking acidic beverages, using a straw can help minimize contact between the drink and your teeth. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of enamel erosion.

• Rinse with Water: After enjoying an acidic beverage, rinse your mouth with water. This helps neutralize the acid and wash away any remaining acidic substances, protecting your teeth from further damage.

Incorporating these habits into your routine can make a big difference in maintaining your dental health while still enjoying your favorite drinks.

So, how can you protect your teeth from the acid in these drinks? First, give your mouth time to recover between acidic exposures. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour for your saliva to bring the acidity in your mouth back to neutral, so try not to sip on acidic drinks all day. Monitoring your beverage intake is crucial in managing oral health, as frequent consumption of acidic drinks can lead to dental erosion and caries.

Second, you should remineralize your teeth daily to help strengthen them. I recommend using hydroxyapatite-based products like tooth powder or mouthwash, which help put the minerals back into your teeth. This is especially important because every time you eat or drink, you lose some minerals.

By using a hydroxyapatite-based product twice a day, you can rebuild and strengthen your enamel. In fact, the mouthwash can help increase the amount of saliva your mouth makes. It’s great to prevent cavities, increase saliva, rebuild your enamel, and save your teeth from oral damage.

Check out my hydroxyapatite tooth powders and mouthrinses below.

Nutrition plays a huge role in your oral health. If you’re not absorbing enough minerals from your diet, your teeth can become more susceptible to cavities. Make sure your stomach has enough acidity to properly absorb minerals from food. Stomach acid plays a crucial role in breaking down food and ensuring the absorption of essential minerals. This might sound strange since we’re trying to avoid acid in the mouth, but we need acid in the stomach to help with mineral absorption.

Adding Vitamin D3 and K2 to your diet can also help your body absorb minerals more efficiently. If you take care of your diet and give your mouth time to recover between meals and drinks, you can still enjoy your favorite beverages without damaging your teeth.

maintaining regular dental care, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without compromising your smile.