Every day, a multitude of drinks containing sugars, acids, bubbles, pass through our mouths. These liquids can cause damage to the enamel of the teeth, which is already very stressed by food and brushing.
To determine which beverages should be drunk in moderation to maintain healthy teeth, scientists from the Oral Health Foundation, UK tested their long-term corrosive effect on tooth enamel.
Scientists took five healthy human teeth and placed each in a sterile jar.
The jars were then filled with a different drink and the condition of the teeth was observed in them for 14 days. At the end of this period, the experts analyzed the impact of the different liquids on the enamel, which is the protective barrier covering each tooth. The latter is also composed of 96% minerals.
To give an idea of the results obtained, a score out of 10 is assigned according to the abrasive and corrosive potential of each drink, consistent with the state of the tooth after the 14 days of experience. The more damaged the prong comes out of the jar, the higher the score.
The energy drink
This drink contains about 96 grams of sugar per liter, and has an acidic pH. The tooth has started to etch and chip, indicating that it is in the process of demineralization.
The strength of damage that this drink can cause is estimated at 8/10.
Cider
This drink contains about 110 grams of sugar per liter, and has an acidic pH. The tooth enamel has been severely decalcified. Contact with this longer liquid would result in extreme and unavoidable pain that could lead to the extraction of the tooth.
The strength of damage that this drink can cause is estimated at 9/10.
Prosecco
This drink contains about 20 grams of sugar per litre, and has an acidic pH. Before the tooth is immersed in alcohol, the enamel is white and shiny. But after two weeks, the surface begins to dissolve. This is an extreme "demineralization" that causes the tooth to crumble.
The strength of damage that this drink can cause is estimated at 7/10.
Cola
This drink contains about 110 grams of sugar per litre, and has a very acidic pH. The effect of Cola on the tooth is extremely shocking. Apart from the tooth turning completely brown due to the dyes in the drink, it also broke in half due to the extent of demineralization which made it weak.
The strength of damage that this drink can cause is estimated at 9/10.
Water
Unsurprisingly, water is a pH-neutral, sugar-free liquid. And the tooth obviously suffered no aggression.
The strength of damage that this drink can cause is 0/10.
Dr. Ben Atkins, dentist and administrator of the Oral Health Foundation, explains that with the exception of milk and water, the beverages tested have known risks of enamel breakdown.
