03/25/2026
That refreshing soda, sports drink, or citrusy iced tea might seem harmless — maybe even healthy. But did you know these popular drinks can silently erode your teeth over time?
Acidic beverages are one of the leading causes of dental erosion, which slowly weakens and removes tooth enamel.
What is dental erosion?
Dental erosion occurs when acids dissolve the outer layer of your teeth (enamel). Unlike cavities, which involve bacteria and sugar, erosion is caused directly by acid exposure.
Enamel is the hardest substance in your body — but once it’s gone, it can’t grow back. Under enamel is dentin, which is softer and dissolves even faster when exposed to acid. When this happens, teeth may become more sensitive and appear more yellow.
Common acidic drinks include:
• Soda (even diet)
• Citrus juices like orange juice or lemonade
• Sports drinks
• Energy drinks
• Iced tea with lemon
• Water flavoring additives
Most sodas have a pH around 2.5 — which is about 50,000 times more acidic than water.
Tomorrow we’ll share the signs of acid damage and simple ways to protect your teeth.
