You may enjoy your time scrolling through TikTok after a long day of work or school. It’s easy to zone out and see video after video of different trends going around. One you might’ve come across is a soda alternative of sparkling water with balsamic vinegar. It’s supposed to be healthier, but is it really? Keep reading to learn how it can actually be harmful to your teeth!
What’s Behind the TikTok Trend?
As was mentioned above, people are combining sparkling water and balsamic vinegar to make a faux soda that’s better for your health. It’s to avoid all the sugar that’s added to cola, which can increase your risk of cavities since it increases bacterial growth in your mouth.
While this trendy combo may not taste exactly like pop, it can still cause harm just like it! Especially if you don’t add sugar, lemon, or lime, then there is still one issue that can be sneaky, which is its acidity!
Foods and drinks with this trait wear down your enamel. They erode the top layer of your teeth over time, which can’t be rebuilt naturally. Instead, you’ll need a fluoride toothpaste to replenish the lost minerals. If not or you overindulge, then you may be more prone to cavities, gum disease, and sensitivity to hot and cold items!
What Is Safe to Drink for My Smile?
With that being said, you may still have a carbonated itch you want scratched. It’s normal to crave a soda or other sugary and acidic beverage, but you should have them in moderation. Only drinking them occasionally isn’t going to harm your teeth, but frequently indulging in them is what can start to cause problems. Simply put, you can limit how much you have in general and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
If you want to add some options to the mix so you don’t always grab soda, then there are plenty of choices! Aside from good ol’ water, you can try out:
- Unsweetened tea
- Plain sparkling water
- Diluted juice
- Milk
Although you may still enjoy some soda, be sure to visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. They can make sure your teeth are staying strong despite the occasional drink. That way, you can fulfill your craving while also keeping your smile in the best shape it deserves to be in.
About the Practice
At Mauck & Ricci, DDS, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Matt Mauck and Dr. Andrew Ricci. We are here for the Aurora community, helping people get pristine grins that are problem-free. Through checkups and cleanings, we can monitor changes to your oral health and give you personalized advice on how to keep it protected. If you tend to indulge in sugary or acidic drinks and want to keep your teeth strong, schedule an appointment or call our office at (303) 745-1400.