Re: Does Carbonation really damage teeth?

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,
 Robyn Kozierok <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> My children's dentist just told me not to ever let my kids have any
> carbonated drinks because carbonation is "pure evil" because the
> carbonic acid produced by carbonation erodes teeth.  I find this 
> hard to believe.  I can see that sugary carbonated drinks would have
> the same issues as other sugary liquids, but he claims that even
> plain seltzer (which my 2yo loves to share with me) has this problem.
> This seems more like a wives' tale than good science to me.
> But I can't seem to find anything authoritative based on a quick
> google search.  Most studies seem to relate to sugared soft drinks.
> Even though seltzer is slightly acidic due to the carbonic acid, 
> so is orange juice and probably other non-carbonated beverages.
> You don't soak your teeth in either one.   Anyone know the real
> scoop on this?

I think you've got the right picture.

I can't imagine the chemistry supporting plain selter as a problem. Does 
it taste bitter/sour?  Of course not. Carbonic acid produced by 
injecting CO2 into water is simply not that acidic. The acid level is 
far less than orange juice.  But the rest of story, sugary carbonated 
drinks with phosphoric acid like colas are a serious issue with regard 
to tooth decay, erosion of young enamal, not to mention what it does to 
the gastro-intestinal lining, blood sugar and caloric intake.

Our dentist was quite clear about things: eat an orange (or, in our 
case, lemon----our daughter picks lemons off our tree to munch on) and 
swish your mouth with plain water.  Chewable orange vitamin C tablets 
are a real no-no. Water down juices and brush or at least rinse 
following and just don't do soda pop at all. 

Larry

-- 
Dr. Larry Bickford, O.D.
Family Practice Eye Health & Vision Care

The Eyecare Connection
http//www.eyecarecontacts.com
larrydoc at m a c.c o m