You've heard that old saying "you are what you eat"; but chances are you didn't equate that sentiment to the condition of your teeth and gums. Every dentist has the main priority of saving patients from discomfort and inconveniences that come from unpleasant dental conditions. For that reason, we want to share some interesting facts about some of the things you may be consuming!
Many people love a nice cold soda every now and then; some drink nothing but soda all day. The fact is that soda is bad for your teeth and it's not just the high sugar content that is bad. While there is ample sugar in a single soda to put a significant risk potential on cavity development, sodas are especially harmful to teeth because they contain a high acid content. This is holds true for diet sodas as well as regularly carbonated beverages. In fact, one study showed that clear, citrus-flavored sodas actually dissolve tooth enamel up to five times more than colored colas! Read a label and you may see the words citric acid, tartaric acid, and malic or phosphoric acid. Fact: These Acids eat through enamel.
In lieu of drinking soda, perhaps you'll opt for a hydrating sports drink instead. Not so fast! In a study of the effects of several different beverages, soda included, sports drinks were found to be the most harmful to enamel. While able to hydrate the body, these drinks also contain significantly high amounts of acid. Fruit juices are indeed good for the body, especially when they are all-natural with no preservatives or added sugar. However, certain juices also contain acids that will wear down enamel over time. Although fruit juices such as apple, citrus and berry types are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, enjoying them in moderation is recommended. When choosing juice for yourself and your family, opting for those that are calcium-fortified provides some boost in oral health. Additional protection can come from a good rinse or brushing after consuming acidic beverages.
Eating too much citrus fruits and loads of berries also poses risk to breaking down enamel. If you consume fruit as a part of a healthy balanced meal, however, the effects of fruit acids is buffered by the other foods you are consuming.
A growing trend in beverages right now is the energy drink. Your dentist may advise you to find another pick-me-up! Energy drinks showed up in our mentioned study as the second worst enamel corroding drink on the market. Because young people's tooth enamel is more porous, energy drinks can be especially more risky for their oral health.
Kids especially love sour candies these days, but when compared with non-sour sweets, the candies that make you pucker showed to be quite a bit harsher to your tooth enamel. The theory is that sour candies contain different kinds of acid to add that zing of flavor. These acids have been shown to eat through tooth enamel, leaving cavities in their wake.
Vinegar will be the last culprit discussed. In today's health-conscious society, vinegar dressings with low calories have become increasingly popular. Vinegar, found in many salad dressings, sauces, potato chips