Posted on March 12, 2007 at 9:30 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- While some beverage companies attempt to show their health-conscious side by displaying caffeine levels on labels, dental health experts at the UAB (the University of Alabama at Birmingham) School of Dentistry say companies also should display the amount of acid drinks contain.

“Soft drink and fruit drink manufacturers add acid to balance the sweet taste of their beverages from all the added sugar,” said John Ruby, D.M.D., associate professor of pediatric dentistry at UAB. “Acid, which is measured by pH level, erodes teeth and may result in major dental problems over time. Any beverage with a pH below 4.0 chemically erodes teeth and should be labeled as such.”

Ruby and his students have tested the pH levels of numerous beverages to see which beverages may cause teeth to deteriorate if consumed excessively.

Their tests revealed that many of the most popular soft drinks have extremely low pH levels, which indicates high acid content. In fact, some have acidity levels comparable to pure lemon juice or white vinegar. Sports drinks and juices are just as bad. Ruby recommends limiting juice intake according to the American Academy of Pediatrics standards, which is 4 to 6 ounces or 8 to 12 ounces per day depending on age.

The best beverage options are white milk and water, which are not acidic enough to erode teeth, Ruby said. Another advantage to white milk and water is that neither one contains sugar that will cause tooth decay.