Kombucha, a sweetened drink made from fermented tea, has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Many swear by its supposed health benefits, claiming everything from improved digestive health and weight loss to lowered blood pressure. Despite there being no research available to support these claims, and the potential risks involved with homemade fermentation, kombucha is widely available in grocery stores and restaurants across the country and is the drink of choice for many health-conscious Canadians.

While the risk of any negative health effects is low when kombucha is enjoyed in moderation, you may still be wondering: does drinking kombucha regularly have any effect on my teeth?

Unfortunately for kombucha fans, the news isn’t great. Kombucha, with its extreme acidity and often high sugar content, is a perfect mix of everything that dentists recommend avoiding when it comes to your teeth.

Kombucha tends to have a pH level (a measurement used to evaluate acidity) of between 2.5–3.5, which places it right around the same level as many soft drinks and even lemon juice. As you may already know, acidic drinks are very hard on your teeth, causing wear to your tooth-protecting enamel and eventually causing tooth decay and erosion. Over-consumption of acidic drinks can quickly lead to tooth sensitivity, pain and an increased risk of cavities. Pair that with sugar, which helps feed the acid-producing bacteria in your mouth, and you have the ideal environment for cavities to develop.

So, how can you enjoy kombucha while still keeping your teeth healthy and sparkling? We have a few helpful tips:

1. Rinse your mouth in between sips.

Since acid needs exposure to damage your teeth, swishing some water around your mouth in between every drink can help protect you by washing away leftover acid (plus, hydration is important for maintaining good oral health).

2. Wait half an hour before brushing your teeth

After exposing your enamel to acid, it’s often weakened for a short while. If you brush your teeth while your enamel is in this vulnerable state, it could start to wear away under the pressure of the brush. Since enamel can’t repair itself, brushing right after eating or drinking something acidic can easily do more harm than good!

3. Enjoy in moderation

The best defense against tooth-damaging acids is always going to be limiting exposure. Enjoy a glass of kombucha, but make sure you choose it sparingly and drink it quickly – the longer the acid stays around in your mouth, the worse for your teeth.  

4. Visit your dentist every six months

No list of oral care tips is complete without a reminder to schedule regular cleanings and check-ups with your dentist! Whether it’s kombucha or anything else, they can help answer any questions you may have about your teeth and also provide expert advice, personalized for you, to keep your smile bright and healthy.  

If it’s been a while since your last appointment, that’s no problem – just use the orange Book Online button to your right to book your next cleaning today.