Oral Health

Diet and Dental Health

Beyond sugar — the acidity, frequency, and micronutrients that shape enamel and gums.

5 min readMedically reviewed

Sugar is the headline. It is not the whole story.

The three variables that matter

  • Acidity: sparkling water, citrus, and vinegar dressings erode enamel over time
  • Frequency: constant grazing prevents saliva from restoring pH
  • Micronutrients: adequate calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 support enamel and periodontal tissue

Small changes with outsized impact

Drink acidic beverages with meals rather than throughout the day, rinse with plain water afterward, and treat coffee and sparkling water as episodic — not continuous — exposures.

Medically reviewed

Reviewed and edited by Dr. Marianna Zadov, DDS. Last updated August 2026.