Acid in soft drinks dissolves tooth enamel

The Academy of General Dentistry published a recent study showing how different soft drinks affect tooth decay (pdf). Most people consider that it is the sugar that causes the decay. This study, however, showed no statistical difference between sugar sodas and their sugar-free derivatives. So what causes the enamel to dissolve?

It’s the acid. Most soft drinks contain one or more acids. Phosphoric and citric acid are common, but malic acid, tartaric acid, and others may also be present. These acids can chelate calcium at higher pHs, meaning they are quite damaging to teeth.

So which soda is the worst? You’ll be surprised! Not Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, and other colas. The worst soda measured was… Mountain Dew! Next was Arizona Iced Tea, followed by Sprite and ginger ale. These were 2-4 times as corrosive as the colas.

Another surprise was that A&W Root Beer showed no damage, just as water didn’t (obviously). Brewed black tea and brewed black coffee also ranked well by comparison.

What does this mean to you? Sodas remain a significant health problem for many. As someone who was once hooked on the caffeine/sugar high from sodas, I know how difficult it can be physically and emotionally to break the cycle. That is where EFT can make it so much easier to break that cycle.