Despite being warned of the harmful effects of popular drinks, people still fail to take acidic and sugary drinks seriously. Our favorite beverages, including teas, sodas, coffees and juices are the culprits behind most tooth decay and tooth infections. The severity of regularly indulging in these drinks may be surprising.
Acid and Sugar: A Vicious Combo
Acid and sugar are a two punch combination for tooth decay, erosion and infection. Acid breaks down our sensitive tooth enamel, and can bore into our teeth’s crevices, causing cavities. Teeth exposed by acidic erosion are an open cesspool of bacteria which can lead to infections and extraction of teeth. Sugar, most actively sucrose, develops into plaque almost instantly once in contact with your teeth. Plaque build up is not only unbecoming, but it is where bacteria sits and festers in your mouth. Your dental health depends on avoiding drinking acidic and sugary drinks.
Worse than Drinking Battery Acid
Just how horrible are these drinks for you? Here is a diagram showing the acid pH levels and teaspoons of sugar found in commonly enjoyed beverages:
| Drink or Substance (12 oz. serving) | Acid pH | Tsp. Sugar |
| Water | 7.0 (neutral) | 0 |
| Milk | 6.7 | 1 |
| Barq’s Root Beer | 4 | 11 |
| Minute Maid® Orange Juice | 3.8 | 9 |
| Propel® Fitness Water | 3.4 | 1 |
| Red Bull® Energy Drink | 3.3 | 10 |
| Sprite® | 3.3 | 10 |
| Mountain Dew | 3.3 | 12 |
| Diet Coke | 3.1 | 0 |
| Sierra Mist | 3.1 | 10 |
| Full Throttle Energy Drink | 3 | 11 |
| Diet Pepsi | 3 | 0 |
| Gatorade® | 2.9 | 5 |
| Sunkist® Orange Soda | 2.9 | 13 |
| Dr. Pepper | 2.9 | 10 |
| Vault™ Energy Soda | 2.9 | 12 |
| Mountain Dew AMP | 2.8 | 11 |
| SoBe Energy Citrus | 2.6 | 12 |
| Minute Maid® Lemonade | 2.6 | 10 |
| Pepsi | 2.5 | 11 |
| Diet Schweppes Tonic Water | 2.5 | 0 |
| Coca-Cola | 2.4 | 10 |
| Battery Acid | 1 | 0 |
Notice at the bottom of the list is battery acid. Battery acid of course is not a drink, and it should never be consumed. But according to the chart, your teeth could better fight off highly destructive battery acid than some of the drinks you have everyday. An eye opener, this should help you consider your beverage consumption more seriously.
Practice Better Drinking Habits
There is a reason why dentists recommend water as opposed to these unhealthy beverages. Your teeth cannot endure a lifetime of acidic and sugary drinks. Chemicals used to create these beverages also pose a risk for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and certain types of cancers. Your oral hygiene is imperative to your overall health. Practice healthier drinking and brushing habits. Prevention is key to avoiding all dental issues.
Do you find yourself guilty of sipping one too many of these drinks? If so, what kind of effects have you noticed, if any?