Insider (6/21, Michelson) reports that TikTok users are mixing balsamic vinegar and seltzer, claiming it’s a “healthy” alternative to Coca-Cola. The concoction, which is trending on TikTok, “may actually have some adverse effects on oral wellness, according to dentists who have researched soft drinks and tooth erosion.” The American Dental Association (ADA) “released a statement about the risks of over-indulging in acidic beverages in response to the trend,” and “a study of sugar-free beverages and tooth erosion, published in the ADA’s open-access journal in May, confirmed that even sugarless sparkling water caused some erosion, although not as much as traditional sodas.”
DrBicuspid (6/21, Dagostino) says that both balsamic vinegar and flavored sparkling water are “heavily acidic,” and “acidic foods and beverages can wear away at the enamel that protects teeth.” The article adds that “tooth erosion is permanent and can lead to further complications, like cavities and infection,” and “it can also lead to tooth discoloration, as white enamel is worn away to expose the yellow layer below.”
The New York Post 6/21, Sparks) also reports.