We know conclusively that sugar and acid causes tooth cavities. We can reduce risk, and in many cases even eliminate cavities by reducing sugar and acid levels we ingest. In an effort to help patients make wise nutritional decisions I have included the following table, which presents data provided by Dr. John Ruby, University of Alabama, Birmingham School of Dentistry, 2007.
|
Acid (Low numbers are worse) |
Sugar* Per 12 OZ serving |
|
| Pure Water |
7.0 (neutral) |
0 tsp |
| Barq’s Root Beer |
4.0 |
11 tsp |
|
Minute Maid (R)Orange Juice |
3.8 |
9 tsp |
| Propel (R) Fitness Water |
3.4 |
1 tsp |
| Red Bull (R) |
3.3 |
10 tsp |
| Sprite (R) |
3.3 |
10 tsp |
| Mountain Dew (R) |
3.3 |
12 tsp |
| Diet Coke (R) |
3.1 |
0 tsp |
| Sierra Mist |
3.1 |
10 tsp |
| Full Throttle Energy Drink |
3.0 |
11 tsp |
| Diet Pepsi (R) |
3.0 |
0 tsp |
| Gatorade (R) |
2.9 |
5 tsp |
| Sunkist (R) Orange Soda |
2.9 |
13 tsp |
| Dr Pepper (R) |
2.9 |
10 tsp |
| Vault Energy Soda |
2.9 |
12 tsp |
| Amp—Mountain Dew (R) |
2.8 |
11 tsp |
| So Be (R) Energy Citrus |
2.6 |
12 tsp |
| Minute Maid (R) Lemonade |
2.6 |
10 tsp |
| Pepsi (R) |
2.5 |
11 tsp |
| Diet Schweppes Tonic Water |
2.5 |
0 tsp |
| Coca-Cola (R) Classic |
2.4 |
10 tsp |
| Battery Acid |
1.0 |
0 tsp |
