Kombucha and Your Teeth
Kombucha: it’s a delicious and nutritious black or green tea that is rapidly growing in popularity. This sweetened tea is created through a combined yeast and bacteria fermentation process. The process breaks down the sugars, which allows the probiotic bacteria to form. It also contributes to the “good gut bugs” that live in our intestines, help us digest food and promote many of the body’s necessary functions.
While it may be a relatively new thing for us here in North America, Kombucha has been around for thousands of years with historical and archaeological records showing evidence of its use and other similar fermented teas as early as 200 B.C. But what does this drink do our teeth over time? Read on to learn more.
Benefits of Kombucha
Kombucha is gaining popularity world-wide due to its health benefits and taste. It even comes in different flavors like ginger, hibiscus, and strawberry. These beverages have been hailed for their professed ability to promote all of the following beneficial effects and more:
- Mood enhancement
- Detoxification
- Energy boost
- Weight Loss
- Reduction of cholesterol
- Improved digestion
- Cancer prevention
- Stimulation of the immune system
- Prevention of arthritis
Moreover, people enjoy the flavor of these beverages, their refreshing qualities, as well as the mild stimulating affect the fermentation process provides.
Is Kombucha Drinking Kombucha Safe?
Drinking store-bought Kombucha is almost always safe. While the fermentation process can result in a dangerous product if not followed precisely, the existing regulations almost guarantee that any Kombucha product you buy off the shelf at your local supermarket will not be harmful to your health.
There have been a few incidences of harm resulting from poorly processed Kombucha where sanitation best practices and FDA registrations were not followed. But it is likely that the biggest concern about these beverages is their ability to stain your teeth. It is well known that coffee, teas, and other such beverages can and will stain your teeth if consumed regularly.
Does It Stain Your Teeth?
Kombucha contains some strong acidic substances that will erode your teeth if certain precautions are not taken. For this reason, the segments of the beverage industry that have embraced Kombucha have found that the ideal pH balance for these drinks is 3.5 or better.
Some Kombucha producers may print the pH level on the side of the bottle, but most will not. At the end of the day, the best way to prevent discoloration of your teeth after drinking these beverages is to rinse your mouth out with water. It is also best to avoid swishing Kombucha around in your mouth more than one time a day.
Frequent consumption of this and similar dark-colored beverages can lead to acid erosion and cavities. It should be noted that most of the Kombucha products you find for sale will contain some sugar, which is certain to exacerbate the acidic qualities of these drinks, especially if taken early in the morning.
Can Teeth Whitening Reverse The Effects of Kombucha Staining?
If you are a regular coffee, tea, or Kombucha drinker- you’re almost certain to have some discoloration of your tooth enamel. Stained tooth enamel is something that happens to everyone over time. Ordinarily, it happens gradually and can be hard to notice. But the benefits of teeth whitening are clear.
Having your teeth whitened can give you added confidence, making you more likely to smile. Studies have shown that those who smile more easily are more socially successful, do better in job interviews, and report being happier. Being confident in your smile is a great way to make smiling easier.
When it comes to teeth whitening, your Clermont dental professional has a range of options available for you to choose from. You may select at-home methods, such as whitening strips, or you may choose in-office methods. There are even whitening treatments available for children, which may be desirable after an injury or other indecent that may have damaged a child’s teeth. Contact us today to get more information about the dental health effects of kombucha and how to better care for your oral health!
