Limiting colas can prevent tooth erosion

Consuming too many acidic foods, including soda, fruit juice, pickles, yoghurt and even fresh fruit, can erode the teeth's protective enamel. This erosion is one of the main processes that cause tooth decay. As the availability of soft drinks increases so does the amount of erosion. The primary action patients can take to decrease their likelihood of erosion is to reduce the consumption of sugary sodas, fruit juices and sports drinks. According to researchers from the U.S. Army Dental Corps, USA, any highly acidic food has the potential to cause structural damage to the teeth. It's the job of saliva to restore the mouth's normal acid balance, but a steady diet of tart and tangy foods can overwhelm this natural defence. Soda contains phosphoric acid, which is even more erosive than the organic acids found in some other foods, including fermented products like yoghurt, which are rich in lactic acid, and fresh fruit and fruit products, which contain citric and malic acids. Grapes and wine come with a dose of tartaric acid, another organic compound. Erosion is possible when any of these foods are consumed in excessive amounts. However, cutting out soft drinks and fruit juice is no guarantee of an erosion-free smile. Other eroding factors include acid reflux disease and even exposure to acidic gases.