7 worst foods and drinks for your teeth
Find out which ones can contribute to tooth enamel loss.
Jan, 2026
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Slide 1
When you’re looking for a crisp drink, you might reach for a sparkling soda or sports drink spiked with citrus flavors. The problem is, although they may quench your thirst or replenish electrolytes, beverages (and foods) like these that contain acidic ingredients can be harmful to the surface of your teeth.
It’s not necessary to abandon all your favorite tart treats, but for the benefit of your dental health, here are a few ways to sip and snack smarter.
Written byMichael Gollust.
Medically reviewed byMegan Burke, MD.
Sources: American Dental Association. Erosion: What You Eat and Drink Can Impact Teeth. Accessed June 6 + 7
- American Dental Association. Erosion: What You Eat and Drink Can Impact Teeth. Accessed June 6, 2022.
- Rajeev G, Lewis AJ, N S. A time based objective evaluation of the erosive effects of various beverages on enamel and cementum of deciduous and permanent teeth. J Clin Exp Dent. 2020;12(1):e1-e8. Published 2020 Jan 1.
- Nijakowski K, Zdrojewski J, Nowak M,et al. Regular Physical Activity and Dental Erosion: A Systematic Review. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 1099.
- Jain P, Hall-May E, Golabek K, Agustin MZ. A comparison of sports and energy drinks--Physiochemical properties and enamel dissolution. Gen Dent. 2012;60(3):190-199.
- Silva JG, Martins JP, de Sousa EB, et al. Influence of energy drinks on enamel erosion: In vitro study using different assessment techniques. J Clin Exp Dent. 2021;13(11):e1076-e1082. Published 2021 Nov 1.
- Zimmer S, Kirchner G, Bizhang M, Benedix M. (2015). Influence of Various Acidic Beverages on Tooth Erosion. Evaluation by a New Method. PLoS ONE 10(6): e0129462.
- Naidoo LS, Onwubu SC, Murugan N. Evaluating the erosive effect of sour candy on human tooth enamel. Journal of Dentistry and Oral Hygiene. 2020 12 (2): 27-34.
- Hartz JJ, Procopio A, Attin T, Wegehaupt FJ. Erosive Potential of Bottled Salad Dressings. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2021;19(1):51-57.
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