The Dangers of Acidity and Sugars in Most Sodas and Beverages
- Posted on: Sep 15 2019
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While teeth can be strong and durable, they are still prone to problems. Teeth enamel can wear and cavities can form, resulting in the need for immediate dental work to restore the smile. In today’s society of eating on the go, many patients enjoy sweet beverages such as sodas and juices. However, these drinks can cause irreversible damage to the teeth that may require additional services from experienced dental professionals. Dr. Casey Patterson of Simi Valley, CA encourages patients to take the time to learn about the damage that acids and sugars can cause to the smile.
Understanding the pH of acidic beverages
First and foremost, patients understand how acidic beverages are ranked in terms of pH. This ranking system starts at the neutral baseline of seven. The scale goes from zero to 14. pH levels higher than seven are known to be alkaline, while levels below seven indicate acidic. Beverages considered acidic are those that rank with a pH level of 4.6 or lower. These acidic beverages may include:
- Orange juice
- Tomato juice
- Apple juice
- Grape juice
- Pineapple juice
- Sodas
- Lemonade
What can happen when a patient drinks acidic beverages?
There are many consequences that a patient may face if they regularly indulge in acidic beverages. Patients may be seen by their dentist during an evaluation and be told by Dr. Casey Patterson that they have:
- Erosion of the natural tooth enamel
- Dentin exposure
- Sensitive teeth
- Cavities
Less common risks, though concerning, including:
- Tooth loss
- Abscess development
- Rounded teeth
- Transparent edges
- Dents in tooth enamel
- Cracks on the teeth
How can patients avoid damage to the smile from acidic beverages?
Many patients who regularly enjoy soda or other acidic beverages may not be ready to drop their habit “cold turkey.” However, there are a few compromises that patients can make to improve their dental health while still enjoying these drinks. First off, switching to healthier beverages can make a marked improvement, including regular consumption of water. Patients can also drink these beverages along with the consumption of food to reduce the impact on the smile, and patients should also consider brushing their teeth after both snacks and meals.
Schedule your visit with Dr. Casey Patterson today!
Book an appointment by calling (805) 584-1194 and speaking to the front office team. We are pleased to offer consultation visits to new patients in the area of Simi Valley, CA and beyond.
Posted in: Dental Services, Preventive Dental Care
