DENTISTS SAY ‘NO’ SHOULD YOU TRY THE TIKTOK BALSAMIC VINEGAR SODA?
If you’re on TikTok or have teens who use the platform, you might have heard about a new, trendy way to quit soda. According to one viral video, it’s easy to go cold turkey: All you have to do is swap out your daily Coke for a blend of flavored sparkling water and balsamic vinegar. Tasty, right? Even if that combination does sound delicious to you, you should think twice before giving it a try. Apparently, the concoction can wreak havoc on teeth, to the point that it got the attention of the American Dental Association! They even put out a press release. It’s pretty rare for this official body to comment on TikTok fads. But in this case, they had to sound the alarm. According to the press release, drinking a combination of acidic balsamic vinegar and similarly acidic flavored sparkling water is a perfect way to wear down the enamel that protects your teeth.
“Tooth erosion is permanent and may open the door for bacteria to cause cavities or infection,” the press release explains. “It can also make teeth appear discolored, as white enamel is worn away to expose the yellow layer below called dentin.” The ADA even quoted a dentist on the topic. “I love balsamic vinegar, but I enjoy it more on my salad than in my drinking glass. It’s much kinder to the teeth than bathing them in a beverage blend of two acids,” said Dr. Edmond Hewlett. Yikes! Of course, soda is acidic, too — so what should you drink? The ADA recommends water or milk as more tooth-healthy alternatives. If you really want to have a soda or jump on the TikTok bandwagon, make sure you use a straw, rinse your mouth out with water, and snack on a dairy product like cheese afterward to neutralize the acid.
If you’re already dealing with worn-down enamel from years of drinking acidic beverages, talk to your dentist about fillings for potential cavities and/or veneers to whiten up your smile. It’s not too late to get your confidence back.
“SUCCESS SEEMS TO BE CONNECTED WITH ACTION. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE KEEP MOVING. THEY MAKE MISTAKES, BUT THEY DON’T QUIT.” –CONRAD HILTON
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