Do Carbonated Drinks Strip Teeth Enamel?
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Carbonated drinks have a significant erosive effect on dental enamel, primarily due to their low pH and acidic content. This erosion can lead to increased surface roughness, higher susceptibility to caries, and complications in orthodontic treatments. While modifications such as the addition of calcium glycerophosphate can reduce these effects, it is crucial to limit the consumption of carbonated beverages to protect dental health.
The consumption of carbonated drinks has become increasingly popular worldwide. However, there is growing concern about their potential adverse effects on dental health, particularly on tooth enamel. This article explores the impact of carbonated beverages on enamel erosion, drawing on findings from multiple research studies.
The Erosive Potential of Carbonated Drinks
Several studies have demonstrated that carbonated drinks can significantly erode dental enamel. The low pH of these beverages, often below the critical pH for enamel demineralization, is a primary factor contributing to their erosive potential1. The acidic nature of carbonated drinks leads to the dissolution of enamel minerals, resulting in structural disintegration and increased surface roughness, which can further promote bacterial adhesion and caries development1 3.
Comparative Studies on Different Beverages
Research comparing the erosive effects of various beverages has shown that carbonated drinks, including both sugared and diet varieties, are more erosive than non-carbonated beverages. For instance, Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke, Gatorade, and Red Bull exhibited higher post-treatment surface roughness measurements compared to coffee and water3. Additionally, studies have found that non-carbonated blackcurrant juice with added calcium caused less enamel erosion than conventional carbonated drinks2.
Impact on Orthodontic Treatment
The consumption of carbonated soft drinks can also adversely affect orthodontic treatment. Studies have reported a reduction in the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets, degradation of enamel, and corrosion of orthodontic wires due to the acidic nature of these beverages4. This can complicate orthodontic procedures and prolong treatment duration.
Mitigating Enamel Erosion
Efforts to mitigate the erosive effects of carbonated drinks have included the addition of calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) to these beverages. Research has shown that CaGP-supplemented carbonated drinks significantly reduce enamel mineral loss and surface microhardness reduction compared to non-supplemented beverages6. This suggests that modifying the composition of carbonated drinks could help minimize their detrimental impact on dental health.
Effects of Carbonated Water
Even carbonated water, often perceived as a healthier alternative, has been found to have erosive potential. Studies using bovine teeth have shown that carbonated waters can cause enamel erosion and increase plaque adhesion due to their acidic nature8. This highlights the need for caution even with seemingly benign carbonated beverages.
Do carbonated drinks strip teeth enamel?
Jinous Tahmassebi has answered Near Certain
An expert from University of Leeds in Dentistry
Soft drinks often contain high content of sugar and acids. The high content of sugar can results in dental decay and the high content of acids will have potential to cause tooth surface loss (strip teeth enamel as well as dentine), known as Dental Erosion. Soft drinks contain several different types of acids. Some of these acids maybe from natural components such as the acids present in fruit juices and fruit flavoured drinks (citric acid from oranges, tartaric acid from grapes and malic acid from apples) while others come about during the manufacturing process aims to improves the flavour of the soft drink such as carbonic acid formed by carbon dioxide in solution. Dental erosion can contribute to significant tooth surface loss not only in adults but also in children and adolescents. The condition is irreversible and in many cases it`s an ongoing process. Dental erosion can lead to reduction in size of teeth and depending upon the severity and length of exposure to soft drinks, may lead to the total destruction of the teeth resulting in poor appearance of teeth, as well as tooth sensitivity resulting in eating difficulties.
Do carbonated drinks strip teeth enamel?
Peter Ungar has answered Near Certain
An expert from University of Arkansas in Palaeoanthropology, Dentistry, Primatology, Palaeontology
Several researchers have demonstrated that, beyond reasonable doubt, regular exposure to many soft drinks causes caries (cavities) and erode enamel. Many carbonated drinks contain erosive acids, and sugars that promote cavities through bacterial action.
Do carbonated drinks strip teeth enamel?
John Featherstone has answered Near Certain
An expert from University of California, San Francisco in Dentistry
1. Tooth enamel can be dissolved by acid, but in general the saliva which bathes the teeth protects them against acidic challenges. Also, if a person uses a fluoride toothpaste two or more times a day this protection is greater. 2. Carbonated water, with no other additives except flavoring, is slightly acidic, but will have little or no effect on the tooth in normal mouths as it is cleared very rapidly from the mouth 3. Carbonated drinks, such as cola beverages, that also include phosphoric acid, are quite strongly acidic and will slowly dissolve tooth enamel over time if drunk often every day. This is called erosion. 4. Most carbonated drinks usually contain large amounts of sugar. Tooth decay is caused when bacteria on the teeth feed on this sugar, producing acids that dissolve tooth enamel and eventually cause cavities to form. This challenge can usually be balanced by regular oral hygiene daily using a fluoride toothpaste.
Do carbonated drinks strip teeth enamel?
Paul Hatton has answered Likely
An expert from University of Sheffield in Dentistry, Biomedical Engineering
If by “strip teeth enamel” the question means removal of tooth mineral from the enamel surface, then the answer is “yes”. The amount of tooth mineral that is removed is dependent upon the composition of the carbonated drink. Many popular brands – including the non-sugar versions – contain an acid or acids to modify the taste, commonly citric acid. In addition, the “fizz” is created by addition of carbon dioxide (that forms carbonic acid in solution, so even carbonated water can damage the tooth surface). It is these acids that remove the tooth mineral. One carbonated drink though does very little damage if taken with a meal, it is the accumulated damage from dozens or hundreds of drinks that is the cause for concern in dentistry (and the damage is far greater if these drinks are taken between meals, or at bedtime). Long term damage from acids in drinks becomes visible tooth tissue loss termed erosion, and it is also associated with increased tooth sensitivity.
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