Drinks that dissolve teeth
I often get asked by patients, “Is drinking coffee/tea/soda/insert-your-choice-of-beverage bad for my teeth?” Our teeth may be one of the hardest substances in our bodies, but even they are vulnerable to certain things.
Our teeth are primarily composed of minerals. When they come into contact with acids, there is potential for our tooth material to soften and dissolve. Acidity is measured on a pH scale–here’s your quick chemistry lesson of the day–the lower the pH, the more acidic a substance is. Saliva is at pH 6.5, which keeps our teeth healthy. Anything below pH 5.5 can dissolve the minerals in our teeth. When the minerals are dissolved, you run a higher risk of developing cavities and tooth sensitivity.
A recent issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association, April 2011 addresses this ever-growing trend. Here is a list of some commonly consumed drinks with their respective pHs:
1. Sports Drinks
- Powerade, pH 2.75
- Gatorade, pH 2.95
2. Fruit Juice
- Orange Juice, pH 3.5
- Apple Juice, pH 3.2
- Cranberry Juice, pH 2.6
- Lemon Juice, pH 2.0
3. Soda & Carbonated Beverages
- Coca Cola & Pepsi, pH 2.5
- Sierra Mist, pH 3.0
- Barq’s Root Beer, pH 4.6
4. Fruit-flavored Drinks
- Snapple, pH 2.4
- SoBe Tropical sugar-free, pH 2.5
- Capri Sun, pH 2.6
5. Iced Tea (not normal brewed, which has pH 7.2, but “iced”)
- Snapple Tea, pH 3.2
- Nestea Sweetened Lemon Iced Tea, pH 2.97
- Lipton Brisk, pH 2.87
6. Flavored Water
- Propel, pH 3.2
7. Wine & Beer
- A typical California Chardonnay, pH 3.4
- Other table wines, ranges pH 3.3-3.7 ( (in general, the sweeter the wine, the more acidic))
- A typical beer, ranges pH 3.7-4.1
8. Coffee
- Ranges from pH 5-6, depending on where the beans are grown
You might be reading this and wondering, “So what drinks are NOT acidic?” Well, good ol’ water (pH 7, San Pellegrino has pH 7.7), milk (pH 6.8), and soymilk (pH 7) are some good choices. Healthy for your body, healthy for your teeth! Surprisingly, coffee is not as acidic as some of these other drinks.
In the end, I always say anything in moderation–I do enjoy my acidic beverages too. Don’t sip them all day long. Use a straw. Consume these drinks with a meal. Rinse with water afterwards. Chew some sugar-free gum. I would advise waiting to brush for 20 minutes–if you’ve got tooth-softening acid on your teeth, the last thing you want to do is run your abrasive toothbrush over them. Using recommended products to combat acid damage. Professional fluoride treatments. Remember, we are talking about acid content here, the high sugar content in many of these drinks is an entirely separate issue.
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Happy sipping!
Vivian Tang, D.D.S.
Planning for a baby? Oral health matters!
An interesting article came across my eye this week, from Medical News Today. Having long established links between gum disease and heart disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory and kidney disease, and problems in pregnancy such as miscarriage and premature birth, a new study demonstrates a clear link between gum disease and the time it takes a woman to conceive.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the foundation of our teeth, namely, the gums and bone. It is caused by bacteria that adhere to the teeth, which leads to an overly aggressive immune response against these bad guys. The inflammation destroys the gum and bone, and can find a way into the blood circulation.
The importance of maintaining good oral hygiene in women is backed by evidence that gum disease can, by an average of two months, extend the time that it takes for a woman to get pregnant. Women without gum disease take on average five months to get pregnant; women with gum disease took an average of just over seven months.
So, ladies, if you are planning on getting pregnant in the near future, be sure to talk to a dentist beforehand for an exam and cleaning.
Smiles,
Vivian Tang, D.D.S.
We are live!
Well, if you are reading this, you already know this. Today marks the launch of our website as well as the opening of our practice! Thanks to all who made it out to our open house on Saturday, 6/25/11. It was great to see new and familiar faces!
Leading up to this point, I’m grateful for all the help of the people who made it possible. I am especially grateful for all the wonderful relationships I’ve formed over the years with my patients prior to opening my practice in Pleasanton. That, to me, is the most wonderful part of my job. Whether it’s chatting about Dora the Explorer with a 4 year-old, or listening to how my 15 year-old patient won backstage VIP Justin Bieber tickets (she entered 500 times!), or chatting about the restaurant Marlowe in SF with an adult male (get the brussel sprout chips), or asking about a patient’s grandchildren visiting for the summer, I really enjoy all of it. Forming good relationships helps facilitate good dental care. It’s an exciting time for my staff and me–we are happy to make an impact on the community!
Please check our blog regularly to read about practice announcements, interesting news related to your oral health, and dental tips. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated.
Cheers,
Vivian Tang, D.D.S.