Acid erosion is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s dental patients. Frequent contact with dietary acid causes erosion. Acid erosion is an irreversible process where the surface of the tooth is slowly washed away.
Sipping and snacking on acid containing food or drink leads to enamel erosion. Every time a sip/snack is taken, an acid cycle starts. The pH level of the mouth drops (becomes more acidic) for 20 minutes and erosion occurs. At the end of that time, if another sip/snack is taken, another 20 minute cycle occurs. People who habitually sip/snack all day long can have 10 hours or more of erosion.
Carbonated soft drinks contain various amounts of phosphoric, citric, and carbonic acid. The pH of most soft drinks falls between 2.3 and 3.4 (Water pH 7 and battery acid pH 1). These ranges are responsible for significant tooth demineralization. The following table reflects the acidic drinks with a lower than neutral pH 7 (water).
Noncarbonated sport and energy drinks containing sugar and those classified as sugar-free seem harmless but have high levels of citric acid and/or Vitamin C.
Drink ph (Acid) Level
Water 7.00
Diet 7Up 3.67
Sprite 3.42
Diet Dr. Pepper 3.41
Diet Coke 3.39
Diet Mountain Dew 3.34
Grape Minute Maid Soda 3.29
Mountain Dew 3.22
Orange Slice 3.12
Diet Pepsi 3.05
Nestea 3.04
Gatorade 2.95
Dr. Pepper 2.92
Squirt 2.85
Hawaiian Fruit Punch 2.82
Coke 2.53
Pepsi 2.49
Battery Acid 1.00
Drink Sugar Level
Water 7.00
Diet 7Up 3.67
Sprite 3.42
Diet Dr. Pepper 3.41
Diet Coke 3.39
Diet Mountain Dew 3.34
Grape Minute Maid Soda 3.29
Mountain Dew 3.22
Orange Slice 3.12
Diet Pepsi 3.05
Nestea 3.04
Gatorade 2.95
Dr. Pepper 2.92
Squirt 2.85
Hawaiian Fruit Punch 2.82
Coke 2.53
Pepsi 2.49
Fruits and fruit juices can also be damaging to teeth. Many people with acid erosion are eating surprisingly healthy diets. People who eat diets filled with fruits and vegetables may be in danger of harming their teeth through acid erosion because of low pH levels. The tooth surface is demineralized when exposed to a pH level of 5.5 or lower.The choices people make in their daily routines increase the effects of acid erosion. Those who brush immediately after a meal may actually be doing more damage to their tooth surfaces. Consuming acidic foods softens enamel and root structure, which makes teeth more susceptible to abrasion from brushing. The softened tooth structure is actually brushed away. When drinking orange juice for breakfast, it is better to rinse with water after eating and delay brushing for about an hour.
Sugar consumption leads to further acid production by oral bacteria (Plaque). A 12 ounce serving of pop contains from 9.6 to 11 tsp of sugar. More than 28 percent of all beverages consumed are carbonated soft drinks. Fruit drinks, sports drinks, coffee, and tea increases the intake another 19.8 percent.
Fruits & Veggies pH (Acid) Level
Apples 3.5 – 3.9
Oranges 2.8 – 4.0
Tomatoes 3.7 – 4.7
Bananas 4.5 – 5.2
Blueberries 3.1 – 3.3
Cherries 3.2 – 4.5
Grapes 2.8 – 3.8
Grapefruit 3.0 – 3.7
Peaches 3.3 – 4.0
Pears 3.5 – 4.6
Pineapple 3.2 – 4.1
Plums 2.8 – 4.6
Strawberries 3.0 – 4.2
Beverages pH (Acid) Level
Coffee 2.4 – 3.3
Tea 4.2
Beer 4.0 – 5.0
Wine 2.3 – 3.8
Soda 2.7 – 3.5
Sports Drinks 2.3 – 4.4
Xylitol for Re-mineralization of Teeth
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar that doesn’t cause decay, but helps to prevent it and repairs decalcified teeth.The bacteria in plaque cannot eat Xylitol, so plaque levels decrease resulting in lower amounts of acids in the saliva.When the acids in the mouth are reduced, the minerals in the saliva re-harden decalcified tooth structure (white spots and beginning decay). Spry Chewing Gum contains high levels of Xylitol. 3-8 pieces of Spry Gum should be chewed daily. Do so immediately after a meal, snack, or drink. Mints and candies are also available.
Availability on line at www.sprygum.com
