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Apples are four times more dangerous to teeth than carbonated drinks
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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Eating acidic foods, such as apples, may be four times more dangerous to your teeth than fizzy drinks, according to a team of scientists led by Professor David Bartlett of the Royal Dental Institute (UK).
The researchers looked at whether there was a link between diet and tooth wear in more than 1,000 women and men aged 18 to 30. They looked at damage to the 2mm surface of enamel and dentin, the main supporting structure of the tooth beneath the enamel, and compared the results with the participants' dietary patterns.
It turned out that apple lovers were 3.7 times more likely than others to have damaged dentin, while soda drinkers had no additional risk. Fruit juices increased the likelihood of damage to tooth enamel near the gums four times, and lager (sour light beer) three times.
According to Professor Bartlett, chewing apples slowly is bad for your teeth, as it increases the acidity level in your mouth for a long time. On the contrary, the drinks that everyone curses (and rightly so) do not seem to affect the rate of tooth decay. The scientist emphasizes that the results of the study should not discourage people from eating fruits and fruit juices, as they are important for overall health. However, certain rules should be followed to help avoid dental erosion: for example, do not snack on acidic foods during the day, it is better to eat them with main meals.
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