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Health
A lab study found cola and lemon juice cause the most harm to tooth enamel, with orange juice also showing notable effects.
Cola and lemon juice inflict the most severe damage on tooth enamel, according to a new study in the journal Bioengineering. Researchers tested the effects of common beverages on 42 human teeth over five days, submerging samples in cola, lemon juice, orange juice, coffee, mouthwash, and artificial saliva.
Under microscopic observation, scientists tracked how each liquid affected the enamel and tooth surfaces. The results showed that cola and lemon juice created a visibly porous roughness on the enamel, alongside clear signs of mineral loss and depletion of key elements from the teeth. Orange juice also caused noticeable changes to the enamel, though to a lesser degree. Coffee led to staining of the enamel, while mouthwash showed no significant impact.
The researchers stress that the experiment was conducted in a lab and does not fully replicate conditions inside the mouth, where teeth are influenced by saliva, diet, and oral hygiene. Still, the findings indicate that regular consumption of acidic beverages raises the risk of enamel erosion.
Medical experts also warn against drinks high in sugar, which can interact with oral bacteria and trigger tooth decay.
