Sugar and its harmful effects are often mentioned when oral health is discussed. Parents constantly strive to keep their little ones away from too many candies and cakes.
Is sugar bad for teeth? That is precisely what the bacteria inside the mouth feed on. However, we are primarily referring to refined white sugar (sucrose) here.
The truth is sugar is not the only substance children and adults need to be careful of. Even acidic foods or beverages can damage one’s smile.
Healthline states that the human body tightly regulates its pH levels through various mechanisms. The food we consume can significantly impact the pH balance of the blood. Our teeth will also be affected in the process.
In this article, we will discuss how acidity impacts teeth health and what to do about it.
How Acidity Impacts Teeth Health
A body is said to be acidic when its pH levels are below the normal values. Now, there is no one-size-fits-all answer because not all body parts are supposed to have the same pH.
For instance, the ideal blood pH is between 7.35 and 7.45 (which is slightly alkaline). The stomach’s ideal pH is 3.5, where the acidity helps break down food properly.
In general, acidic foods or beverages may have a pH that is 4.6 or lower. The pH at the time of consumption is not as important as the amount of acid produced during digestion.
Now, the ideal pH of human teeth ranges between 6.2 and 7.6. When the pH levels drop below 5.5 (the critical point), enamel erosion and tooth decay occur.
At that point, the oral environment has become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Since the process is usually slow, we tend to take it lightly. Here’s a case in point to explain the gravity of the situation.
Acidity That Led to Severe Oral Injuries
If natural foods can cause dental acidity, certain artificial substances can accelerate the process. Such a scenario occurred on a mass scale with a medication called Suboxone.
It is a fixed-dose combination medicine used to treat patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). Suboxone can help manage the addiction by decreasing withdrawal symptoms.
While the medication is effective in doing its job, there have been severe side effects. According to TruLaw, patients have suffered from dental injuries like tooth decay, enamel erosion, and cavities that require extensive corrective procedures.
Over 600 people have filed a lawsuit against Suboxone manufacturer, Indivior. What was the reason? You guessed it right: the relatively low pH of the sublingual medication film (3.4). Patients need to keep it in the mouth until it completely dissolves, which takes around 10 minutes.
That’s sufficient time to damage the enamel, especially with prolonged use. The litigation is ongoing, although each state has its statute of limitations or deadlines. So, those wondering, “Can I still apply for a Suboxone lawsuit?” need to check with their respective state’s filing window.
In length, this litigation highlights the extent of damage acidity can cause. Even when it comes to foods with low pH levels, the negative impact can be huge over time.
Which Foods and Beverages Are Acidic?
Which foods or beverages can be called acidic in nature? This can be tricky because you’re not looking at the pH at the time of consumption.
The foods/beverages you consume should be alkaline when the digestion process takes place. In that sense, the following foods and drinks can be highly acidic for teeth enamel –
- Any item that has excessive white sugar in it
- Carbonated drinks and energy beverages
- Coffee
- Pickles
- Honey, mainly because of its sticky nature
- Foods with high sodium content
- Starchy foods like oat flakes and granola
- Certain dietary products like processed cheese
As per the South University Dental Associates, you do not need to avoid all these foods completely. However, be disciplined with your diet and do not consume them in excess. In short, let your moderation be known to those around you.
Tips to Prevent Enamel Erosion and Teeth Damage
Since acidic foods and drinks can spell disaster for your teeth, it’s true to a certain extent that you must consume such items with caution. We have stated previously that there’s no need to stop their consumption altogether unless it’s sugar.
Yes, you can choose alternative sugar options like dates, molasses, or stevia. Besides limiting your caffeine intake and consumption of acidic foods, the following are ways to keep your dental health in top shape –
- Brush your teeth twice daily but do not be too harsh.
- Floss your teeth every day, at least once.
- Keep yourself hydrated by consuming plenty of water.
- Consider having dental sealants on teeth used for chewing like molars.
- Visit your dentist for routine screenings and cleanings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares findings on oral health that are shocking. Between the ages of 6 and 8, at least one in five children had an untreated cavity in their baby teeth.
The situation doesn’t seem to get better with age. The numbers remain the same (one in five) for adults aged between 20 and 64 years.
The highly acidic foods consumed in the Standard American Diet (SAD) are certainly to be blamed. Keep in mind that they’re known as ‘permanent teeth’ for a reason. If you take care of them, they will last you a lifetime. So, avoid acidic foods and practice good oral hygiene.