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Alwaysread the label! Regular soft drinks contain acid and sugar that can lead to tooth decay. Diet or “sugar free” drinks may not have sugar, but most always contain acid. Even many flavored milks have loads of extra sugar!
What is pH anyway and what does it mean for my oral health?
A normal mouth has a pH of 6.2 to 7, which is close to neutral with no damage done to the teeth. Tooth enamel begins to de-mineralize (dissolve) at pH levels below 5.5. Soda has an average pH of 2.5, which is far below this point and very acidic. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it becomes porous and soft when exposed to acid. Tooth enamel erosion is extremely harmful because it weakens the tooth and makes it prone to decay and breakage. Enamel (and thus teeth) wears out faster when it’s been weakened. Just think: You only have one set of teeth (and enamel) that’s meant to last you a lifetime. Take care of them!
| |
pH (acid) Level*
Low number =
bad for teeth |
Sugar Amount**
Per 12-ounce
serving |
Pure Water
|
7.00 (Neutral) |
0.0 |
Coffee (Average, Black)
|
5.00 |
0.0 |
Barq’s Root Beer
|
4.61 |
10.71 tsp. |
Diet Dr. Pepper
|
3.41 |
0.0 |
Juicy-Juice (Berry)
|
3.40 |
9.75 tsp. |
Fresca
|
3.20 |
0.0 |
Diet Sprite
|
3.17 |
0.0 |
| Red Bull Energy Drink |
3.10 |
9.29 tsp. |
Nestea
|
3.04 |
6.07 tsp. |
Propel (Berry)
|
3.02 |
0.71 tsp. |
Diet Mountain Dew
|
2.95 |
0.0 |
Dr. Pepper
|
2.92 |
9.64 tsp. |
Sprite
|
2.90 |
9.29 tsp. |
Gatorade (Lemon-Lime)
|
2.83 |
5 tsp. |
Mountain Dew .
|
2.80 |
11.07 tsp |
Minute Maid Orange Soda
|
2.80 |
11.2 tsp. |
Diet Pepsi
|
2.77 |
0.0 |
Diet Coke
|
2.70 |
0.0 |
Powerade
|
2.63 |
5.36 tsp. |
Pepsi
|
2.43 |
9.64 tsp. |
Coca-Cola
|
2.30 |
9.64 tsp. |
Battery Acid (Yikes!)
|
1.00 (Acidic) |
0.0 |
| *Acid amounts from the study “Enamel and root surface erosion due to popular U.S. beverages,” 2006. Authors: L. Ehlen, T.A.
Marshall, F. Qian, J.J. Warren, J. Wefel, M.M. Hogan, and J.D. Harless. College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City and
from University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, 2000, Northwest Dentistry Vol 80, No. 2. **4.2 grams = 1 teaspoon. |
 When will my child begin losing his/her baby teeth ?
Children will begin losing their teeth at approximately age 4. They will usually lose their front teeth first. Children will continue to lose baby teeth until age 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally erupt.
Why is it important to fix baby teeth that have decay?
It is very important to maintain baby teeth because these teeth hold space for the future eruption of permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent tooth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected baby teeth also can cause permanent teeth to develop improperly, resulting in permanent enamel defects and weaker teeth.
What can I do to protect my child’s oral health at home?
Clean your infant’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. Ask your dentist if you may rub a tiny dab of toothpaste on the gums. As soon as the first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. Help a young child brush at night, which is the most important time to brush, due to lower salivary flow and higher susceptibility to cavities and plaque. By approximately age 5, your child can learn to brush his or her teeth with proper parental instruction. The best way to teach a child how to brush is to lead by good example. Allowing your child to watch you brush your teeth teaches the importance of good oral hygiene. top
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