The potentially harmful effects of excessive consumption of carbonated drinks on dental health have been highlighted in a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, which also underscores the importance of understanding the impact of such consumption on dental health,
as it can adversely impact individuals' overall quality of life and self-esteem.
Additionally, dental treatments can be expensive, making prevention crucial.
The study emphasises the role of diet in dental health, particularly in issues like enamel degradation and dental caries. While other factors such as genetics, socioeconomic variables, oral hygiene, and lifestyle contribute to the development of dental caries, the consumption of low pH foods, like carbonated drinks, has been found to significantly contribute to enamel erosion.
The study reveals a substantial increase in dental problems during the Covid-19 pandemic, which coincided with a rise in carbonated drink consumption. Carbonated soft drinks lower the pH of saliva, causing it to fall below the healthy range for dentin enamel due to the presence of carbonic acid.
To reach their conclusions, the researchers conducted a comprehensive review of open-access and randomised control studies, both in vitro and in vivo, to assess the impact of carbonated soft drinks on dentin enamel.
After excluding studies that were not open-access, published in other languages, or categorised as reviews, case reports, editorials, or book chapters, a total of 19 studies were included in the review. These studies revealed a clear association between substantial consumption of carbonated soft drinks and an increased risk of dental erosion, structural disintegration of the tooth, and degradation of the mechanical and physical properties of the enamel.
Furthermore, the rougher texture of eroded surfaces helps facilitate bacterial adherence, leading to a higher risk of dental caries.
Dental erosion was most commonly observed near the upper arch of canines and incisors, while flawed oral hygiene methods and socioeconomic conditions were found to impact oral health.
The study also highlighted the influence of acid content and contact time on enamel erosion as carbonated soft drinks contain carbonic, phosphoric, and citric acids. It shows that prolonged exposure to these acids can cause tooth sensitivity and eventual enamel erosion.
The mineral content of the drinks, including phosphate, fluoride, and calcium, was found to affect the erosive potential, with higher concentrations of these minerals resulting in lower enamel erosion.
Based on these findings, it is essential to raise awareness among the public, especially young individuals, about the risks associated with excessive consumption of carbonated soft drinks. Educating people about the impact of these drinks on dental health and promoting healthier food choices are crucial steps in mitigating the potential harm caused by carbonated drink consumption.
