Cola, karak, energy drinks and dates: how everyday favourites affect your teeth
Updated: 6 days ago
Do You Know? For patients.
Sugar is only part of the story. Some of the most popular drinks and snacks in Qatar harm teeth in different ways, and knowing how helps you enjoy them more safely.
Four favourites, four ways
Cola and soft drinks are acidic. Acid softens the outer surface of enamel for a while after each drink.
Karak tea is sweet and thick, so sugar stays on the teeth longer, especially when sipped slowly.
Energy drinks combine acid and sugar, and frequent sipping keeps the mouth acidic for long periods.
Dates are sticky and cling to the grooves of back teeth.
Simple habits that protect your teeth
Have drinks with meals rather than sipping over hours.
Rinse with water afterwards.
Wait before brushing after an acidic drink. Laboratory studies show that brushing straight after cola removes more softened tooth surface than waiting about an hour.
Use a fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Clean between your teeth after dates and other sticky foods.
If your teeth look shorter, feel sensitive or have small chips on the edges, it is worth a check. Wear is much easier to manage early.
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Related: Worn teeth treatment
This article is general information and not a substitute for an examination.
References
Choi S, et al. Potential effects of tooth-brushing on human dentin wear following exposure to acidic soft drinks. J Microsc. 2012;247(2):176-85. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2818.2012.03630.x
Dehghan M, et al. Protocol for measurement of enamel loss from brushing with an anti-erosive toothpaste after an acidic episode. Gen Dent. 2017;65(4):63-68.
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