A new study shows that soda drinks, especially those with light pigments, and canned tea products can severely damage the enamel of teeth.
Researchers from the University of Maryland Dental School say that experiments have proven that drinking the aforementioned beverages frequently can erode tooth enamel. Moreover, whether these drinks are low-calorie or regular, their effect on tooth enamel is the same.
In this experiment, researchers examined the effects of different carbonated drinks on tooth enamel, including both low-calorie and regular beverages. Researchers soaked 20 healthy teeth (obtained during orthodontic and periodontal treatments) in different sodas and canned iced teas for 14 days. The results found that soda drinks cause particularly great damage to tooth enamel; other beverages such as tap water, brewed black tea, and pure coffee have the mildest effect on tooth enamel.
It is particularly noteworthy that the damage caused by non-cola sodas is 2 to 5 times that of dark-colored drinks (such as cola); the damage of canned iced tea to enamel is 30 times that of brewed tea or coffee; and the damage of non-cola sodas to enamel is 180 times that of water. Compared to regular cola, the flavor additives in non-cola sodas are more corrosive to teeth.
Researchers recommend that the way to protect teeth from corrosion is to drink less soda. At the same time, the intervals between drinking soda should be longer, and you should rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterwards.