A Astoria Dentist Warns Against 4 Acidic Drinks That Can Damage Tooth Enamel

Your Astoria dentist has likely seen lots of people who suffer from tooth erosion. This occurs when people drink beverages that have a high acidic content. The acid wears down the enamel, completely changing the tooth’s appearance. It also makes it easy for bacteria to get into the teeth and cause infection or decay. Find out what beverages you need to avoid.

1. Soft drinks

Both regular and diet soft drinks contain a large amount of acid. While diet drinks do not contain sugar, the acidic content still makes them dangerous to the teeth. Many dentists will recommend completely eliminating most diet and regular soft drinks to protect the teeth.

Root beer

Root beer is a non-carbonated soft drink, so it has a lower acidic content. Those who cannot eliminate soda entirely should reach for a diet root beer instead of other soft drinks.

2. Fruit juice

Fruit juice contains a large amount of sugar, and that is harmful to the teeth. These highly concentrated beverages also have a large amount of acid. Cranberry juice has more acid than other fruit juices, but most concentrated juices contain dangerous amounts of acid.

Picking fruit juice

When looking for fruit juice, choose a juice that has a pH level of four or above. Some orange juices fall into this range. Also, consider diluting the fruit juice with water to neutralize the acid.

3. Wine

Many people like a nightcap at the end of a hard day, but if that nightcap consists of wine, it could do some damage. Both red and white wines have high acidic contents, so drinking too much of these could do serious damage.

Wine and oral health

There is a caveat with this, though. Some preliminary research has shown that red wine has the ability to remove bacteria from the mouth. Additional research needs to be done, but as of now, your Astoria dentist might be on the fence about drinking wine.

Those who choose to drink wine can minimize potential damage by rinsing their mouths with water after imbibing. Then, it is important to brush the teeth an hour after consumption.

4. Iced tea

Iced tea is a popular drink, but it has a high acidic content. In addition, iced teas can contain a large amount of sugar, creating a dangerous one-two-punch for teeth.

Drinking tea without doing damage

Those who want to drink tea can choose brewed hot teas, including green tea. These teas typically have lower acidic content. Green tea might lower the risk of decay and improve gum health as well.

Choose the right drinks

Avoiding sugar is not enough. People also need to avoid acidic drinks to protect their teeth. Soft drinks, fruit juices, wine and iced tea are acidic, so consider choosing something else.

Your Astoria dentist will notice you have made wise decisions when selecting beverages, and your teeth will thank you. It is easier to maintain a bright smile when you are not suffering from tooth erosion.

Request an appointment here: https://astoriadentalspa.com or call Astoria Dental Broadway at (718) 786-8667 for an appointment in our Astoria office.

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