Being promoted as healthy alternatives to sugary drinks, brands like LaCroix have seen a huge surge in popularity, especially among younger generations. People of all ages, though, have probably found themselves choosing LaCroix over other drinks thinking it must be better for their health and their teeth. Since it is just water, it must not affect teeth at all, right? Well, research would say otherwise.
Tooth decay is something we have all heard of from the time we were kids. You’re probably thinking that sugar is what causes tooth decay and since LaCroix contains no sugar, it must be okay to drink. Unfortunately, while sugar may be one of the leading causes of cavities, it’s not the only factor. Everything from dry mouth to leftover food stuck between your teeth can lead to tooth decay. For instance, when leftover carbohydrates linger in your teeth after eating, bacteria will digest those carbohydrates producing acid as a result. This acid can damage your enamel leading to tooth decay. Well, drinks like LaCroix have acid in them as well.
The ingredient list of LaCroix shows carbonated water and natural flavors as the only ingredients. Both of these ingredients contain or produce acid that can harm your teeth.
Carbonated water is water that has carbon dioxide added to it. When manufacturers, like LaCroix, combine carbon dioxide with water, carbonic acid is produced. Although it’s considered to be a weak acid, it can stimulate the same nerve receptors in your mouth as condiments like mustard. The pH level of carbonated water is 3-4 which means it can cause the erosion of tooth enamel which will lead to decay.
When people see the words “natural flavoring” on the ingredient list, they probably assume that it means the flavorings that were added must be all-natural or that no chemicals have been added. Even though LaCroix claims that only essentials of the fruits from the corresponding flavors were used, there is no way to know for sure what flavorings have been added to their drinks. For most flavored drinks, added flavorings can drop the pH level of the liquid, causing the already acidic carbonated water to become even harsher on your teeth.
The simple fact is, although LaCroix may be healthier in terms of nutritional content, the acidic nature of the drink still damages your teeth.
Truly, plain water is still the leading beverage in oral and overall health.
The best way to maintain clean, healthy teeth is to regularly visit the dentist for check-ups. For help in the Plainville area, Dr. Izaz Khan with IKON Dental Group is expertly qualified to help you with all your dentistry needs.