Enamel erosion is a problem that probably affects many of your patients. Acids found in soft drinks and fruit drinks are extremely harsh on tooth enamel. In fact, some of the citric acids in fruit drinks cause more damage to tooth enamel than sulfuric acid (battery acid) would. Unlike other parts of the body (skin, for instance), tooth enamel does not naturally regenerate.
The AGD recently released a study in General Dentistry (July/August 2008) that tells us home-brewed tea with no additives, like sugar, milk, or lemon, is not erosive. Canned teas aren’t included in this finding because of high sugar content and other additives. In addition to being neutral for tooth enamel, brewed tea has antioxidants that reduce risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Just slightly healthier than black tea, green tea has more antioxidants and natural flavonoids.
The ADA also recommends drinking through a straw, rinsing the mouth after drinking, and chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production. Avoiding foods with a high pH is also wise. This includes pickles, fruits, and yogurt. These habits can help reduce a patient’s potential for acid erosion of tooth enamel.
SOURCE: EurekAlert!; AGD