(classical music)
- So there's an urban myth, if you will,
and let's assume that you did,
that soda can dissolve a tooth overnight.
The Internet has thoroughly busted this,
but just because it's proven
that hanging on to a mouthful
of cola for upwards of 12 hours
won't hollow out your jaw,
it doesn't mean that you should try it.
Soft drinks can indeed damage
those pearly whites of yours,
but how? And how much?
Let's talk teeth.
Your teeth have four basic layers.
There's the root, the pulp,
the dentin protecting the pulp,
and the enamel.
Tooth enamel is the hardest
tissue the human body produces,
but unlike your bones, enamel
is not a living tissue.
Because it's not alive,
it can't repair itself.
There are two types of
trouble that drinks can cause.
An all-over erosion due to
the acid drinks contain,
and spot decay caused by the bacteria
that grow on your teeth.
Both come down to a pH imbalance.
On a scale of zero to xenomorph,
the human has a pretty neutral pH level.
Something around 6.8.
The pH scale itself runs from zero to 14,
with zero being the most acidic,
14 being the most base, or alkaline,
and seven being neutral.
It's like pure water.
Some of the bacteria in
your mouth are sugar hungry,
so when you consume
sweet stuff, like soda,
they throw the bacterial
equivalent of a house party.
And while they do it,
they excrete acid, which
can weaken your enamel,
wherever they're hunkered down.
Eventually, causing cavities.
But, Ben, you might say,
I only drink sugar-free soda,
so, yo, what's the deal?
That'll save you from cavities,
but all sodas contain acids of their own.
On a pH scale, soft drinks
have been found to range
from around four to 2.4.
For comparison, battery acid is a one.
Now your saliva should bring
your mouth back to normal
within half an hour or so,
but your enamel can be
affected by anything
from about a 5.5 or below.
The erosion and decay caused
by a chronic soda consumption
can be rampant.
And yes, that's the
official, medical term.
In one case study,
soda abuse was found to do
dental damage equivalent
to that of meth or crack cocaine.
Now, dentists recommend using straws,
and rinsing with water
after drinking any acidic
or sugary beverage.
They also stress brushing
twice a day with Fluoride,
or re-mineralizing products
to help maintain your enamel.
It can't heal itself from inside,
the way that your bones do,
but the mineral structure can
be buffeted from the outside.
Thanks for tuning in to Brain Stuff.
If there's a question that
you are curious about,
especially an urban myth,
let me know in the comments.
And if you like this video,
make it official, and subscribe,
so you won't miss our next one.
I'm also not a doctor.
This is just a coat.
