The Truth About Soda
What is PH anyway and what does it mean for my oral health?
A normal mouth has a pH of 6.2 to 7, which is close to neutral with no damage done to the teeth. Tooth enamel begins to de-mineralize (dissolve) at pH levels below 5.5. Soda has an average pH of 2.5, which is far below this point and very acidic.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it becomes porous and soft when exposed to acid. Tooth enamel erosion is extremely harmful because it weakens the tooth and makes it prone to decay and breakage. Enamel (and thus teeth) wears out faster when it’s been weakened.
Always read the label! Regular soft drinks contain acid and sugar that can lead to tooth decay. Diet or “sugar free” drinks may not have sugar, but most always contain acid. Even many flavored waters contain acid, as do flavored milks, which also contain extra sugar. |
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pH (acid) Level*
Low number =
bad for teeth |
Sugar Amount**
Per 12-ounce
serving |
Pure Water
|
7.00 (Neutral) |
|
Coffee (Average, Black)
|
5.00 |
0.0 |
Barq's Root Beer
|
4.61 |
10.71 tsp. |
Diet Dr. Pepper
|
3.41 |
0.0 |
Juicy-Juice (Berry)
|
3.40 |
9.75 tsp. |
Fresca
|
3.20 |
0.0 |
Diet Sprite
|
3.17 |
0.0 |
Red Bull Energy Drink
|
3.10 |
9.29 tsp |
Nestea
|
3.04 |
6.07 tsp. |
Propel (Berry)
|
3.02 |
0.71 tsp. |
Diet Mountain Dew
|
2.95 |
0.0 |
Dr. Pepper
|
2.92 |
9.64 tsp. |
Sprite
|
2.90 |
9.29 tsp. |
Gatorade (Lemon-Lime)
|
2.83 |
5 tsp. |
Mountain Dew
|
2.80 |
11.07 tsp. |
Minute Maid Orange Soda
|
2.80 |
11.2 tsp. |
Diet Pepsi
|
2.77 |
0.0 |
Diet coke
|
2.70 |
0.0 |
Powerade
|
2.63 |
5.36 tsp. |
Pepsi
|
2.43 |
9.64 tsp. |
Coca-Cola
|
2.30 |
9.64 tsp. |
Battery Acid (Yikes!)
|
1.00 (Acidic) |
0.0 |
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