Acidic foods and beverages can wear away the enamel that protects teeth, a process known as tooth erosion. Tooth erosion is permanent and may open the door for bacteria to cause cavities or infection. It can also make teeth appear discolored, as white enamel is worn away to expose the yellow layer below called dentin.
In a recent study, researchers wanted to see whether non-carbonated bottled water, flavored sparkling water and plain sparkling water might cause dental erosion. Recently extracted human teeth were soaked in 7 different sugar-free beverages (and one soda with sugar for comparison) to see which, if any, beverages caused erosion. Teeth were exposed for twenty-four hours, which the researchers considered to replicate a year’s worth of exposure to these beverages.
When measuring the results of soda with sugar versus sugar-free soda, they found acids in both caused dental enamel to erode. Sweetener type was less of a factor, as it was the acid in the beverage that eroded the enamel. Researchers also observed erosion in flavored sparkling waters, though it was less than that observed for sugar-containing and sugar-free soda. The only beverages in the study that did not erode enamel were non-carbonated, non-flavored bottled waters.
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The foods we eat on a regular basis influence the makeup of the bacteria — both good and bad — in our mouths. While it well known that sugary foods contribute to tooth decay, researchers are finding that they also play a large role in periodontal disease as well as overall systemic health. 
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Q: How can I keep my teeth for my entire lifetime?
Gum disease affects nearly half of U.S. adults over 30 years of age. Smoking cigarettes is a known risk factor for developing gum disease, but less is known about the impact of e-cigarettes — which vaporize nicotine and other chemicals — on oral health, especially the long-term consequences of vaping.
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Dentures may have a potentially negative impact on a person’s overall nutrition, according to recent research. 
If your system is already compromised by a short-term or long-term illness, it is important for you to keep up your dental health. Keeping up your dental care will protect your mouth and may contribute to your overall recovery.
Researchers at the University of Michigan studied patients receiving periodontal care, dental cleanings, or no dental care during 2016-2018 and who had acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) in 2017.