July 1, 2009
Weekly News UpdateWhitening Products Safer for Teeth than Orange Juice
Researchers at the University of Rochester's Eastman Institute for Oral Health have determined that tooth whitening agents typically used in dentist offices and at home are safer for teeth than drinking fruit juices, soda, and sports or energy drinks. Such drinks typically have a high acid content.
Dental researchers found that drinking orange juice is more harmful to your teeth than using tooth-whitening products. (Photo credit: Scott Bauer/USDA)
Dr. YanFang Ren and his colleagues used a high resolution focus-variation vertical scanning electron microscope to compare the affects of 6% hydrogen peroxide (the active ingredient in most professional and over-the-counter tooth whitening products) and orange juice on the surface of teeth.
The scientists determined that orange juice has a much more significant affect on the health of teeth than whitening agents using 6% hydrogen peroxide. They found that orange juice reduced tooth enamel hardness by 84 percent. The acidic nature of orange juice, other fruit juices, and soda causes tooth damage by decreasing the hardness and increasing the roughness of tooth enamel. Weakened tooth enamel can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems.
The longer acidic drinks such as orange juice are in contact with teeth, the more damage they cause. For example, slowly sipping a glass of orange juice over a long period of time is more damaging than drinking it in a quicker manner. One way to limit contact between your teeth and acidic drinks is to use a straw whenever possible. Doing so will help protect your tooth enamel from damage. You can also protect your teeth by brushing your teeth after meals and visiting a dentist at least once a year for a check-up and professional cleaning.