Many soda drinkers opt for probiotic and prebiotic sodas because you get the taste of soda with a higher sugar content and possible health benefits, such as fiber or good bacteria. However, no matter how healthy ingredients manufacturers add, soda is still soda. There may be added sugar or even acidic ingredients that can damage your teeth.
How bad are probiotic sodas really for your teeth? We spoke to experts to find out how probiotic drinks can harm your dental health. Here’s what to know.
What are prebiotic drinks?
Probiotics are live, edible bacteria that are safe and help balance gut bacteria, according to Hartford Hospital. You may also see the word “prebiotic” thrown around in the world of health sodas. Prebiotics are food for good bacteria in the form of fiber. The type of fiber commonly used in prebiotic sodas is called inulin.
You can find many prebiotic and probiotic sodas on the market. Poppi is a popular prebiotic soda that provides fiber in the form of inulin. Olipop is another brand that adds fiber and has a signature delightful fizz. Culture POP is a live probiotic variety, while Spare Food Probiotic Sparkling Tonics provide probiotics derived from whey. You may also see kombucha drinks listed under the heading of probiotic drinks. This is a flavored fermented probiotic drink.
Probiotic drinks linked to dental health
These drinks often come in tempting flavors, such as a combination of berry, lemon, lime, vanilla, and ginger. How they achieve these flavors depends on the brand. Some have added sugar and use alternative sweeteners like stevia.
Other health sodas use fruit juice, including highly acidic ingredients like lime juice. Some even use organic spices. Even the acetic acid in kombucha gives it a lower pH and signature kick.
Are probiotic drinks good for teeth due to added sugar and acidic ingredients? VIP Smiles Family Dentistry outlines how the acidic ingredients and sugar in traditional soda are harmful to teeth, which can soften enamel, the tooth’s active outer layer that prevents cavities. Tooth enamel does not grow back, so it is important to protect it.
Healthy sodas often contain apple cider vinegar and citric acid, which are acidic enough to corrode enamel, according to VIP Smiles Family Dentistry. While carbonation is not a significant factor in dental health risks, any added sugar in traditional soda and health soda brands can also damage enamel or cause cavities.
What experts say about probiotic drinks
Dr. Zev Schulhof of Iconic Implants outlines how prebiotic and probiotic drinks impact dental health and how you can mitigate the risk:
“Most sodas are bad for dental health. Their high acidity and sugar content can wreak havoc on enamel, leading to erosion and decay.” Schulhoff adds that prebiotic and probiotic sodas typically have lower acidity and sugar content, so they don’t damage enamel like traditional sodas. “However, they’re still not completely harmless – they’re just not that bad. There may also be some unique ingredients in these drinks that can damage tooth enamel, for example, Poppi drinks contain apple cider vinegar, which can damage tooth enamel.” It is a highly acidic ingredient that is harmful to teeth.
Schulhoff recommends drinking any type of soda and acidic drinks through a straw to reduce the damage these drinks can do to your enamel. “Also, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water after drinking these drinks, and even better if you can brush your teeth or use mouthwash,” he adds.
General dentist Dr. David Chen has some further good news about probiotic drinks.
“Despite the grim news above, probiotics and prebiotics in drinks actually help oral health. There are some studies that suggest taking probiotics may improve periodontal health,” Chen said.
“Overall, I would say these probiotic and prebiotic sodas are healthier than typical sugary sodas, but plain water is still best. As long as they are consumed in moderation, they are a better alternative to sugary sodas. However, If you drink too much of them, it will diminish any benefit it might otherwise have,” Chen adds.
Balancing the benefits and risks of probiotic drinks
The reality with these health sodas is that they’re a total hybrid. You’ll get the gut-boosting benefits of probiotics and prebiotics. This is usually not a false claim or a scam. Hartford Hospital says these types of drinks are safe for most people to drink. Fiber may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if the dose is high enough or if someone has irritable bowel syndrome.
You have to weigh the benefits of gut health against the risks of dental health. If you want the best of both worlds, you can try drinking these drinks with some additional tips from the American Dental Association:
- Do not gargle or hold drink in mouth; swallow immediately.
- Dairy products neutralize acid, so drink milk or eat cheese after these drinks.
- Brush your teeth an hour or more after eating acidic foods so your saliva can wash away the acid and the enamel can re-harden a bit.
Too long; haven’t read it?
Probiotic and prebiotic drinks are a legitimate way to get these gut-boosting ingredients in your diet. These types of drinks add fiber and good bacteria to your gut. Various brands even offer tempting flavors like strawberry vanilla or wild berry and lime. These fun flavors may have added sugar or acid. Sugar and acid can eat away at enamel and lead to tooth decay. To make sure you drink these drinks more safely, limit the amount you drink, use a straw, or rinse your mouth afterward.
