Sydney dentist raises concerns over kombucha trend
A dentist from Sydney has issued a warning over the current trend for consuming kombucha-based drinks.
Kombucha, a sweetened tea, which has recently been hailed as a remedy for improved gut health, has become incredibly popular. While some believe it has benefits for health, Sydney dentist, Dr Lewis Ehrlich, has reservations.
Dr Ehrlich suggested that drinking kombucha could damage the teeth in the same way as fizzy drinks and acidic juices and has urged patients to be wary of the risk of acid erosion. Once the enamel becomes worn, the risk of decay and sensitivity increases.
While kombucha may have benefits for gut health, Dr Ehrlich said that this was a “linear” way of thinking, which negates the benefits of a holistic approach to health. Kombucha has become a trendy product, but it has a pH value of 2.5-3.2, which is harmful for the teeth. Erosion can occur at a pH reading of 5.5 and under.
The trouble with products that suddenly become popular due to their link to perceived health benefits is that they often have drawbacks that consumers are not aware of. Many people will read that kombucha is good for the guts and automatically think that this means that the drink is good for their overall health. In fact, this kind of drink can be detrimental for dental health, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
In response to the rise in popularity of kombucha, Dr Ehrlich recommends using other holistic remedies to maintain a healthy gut.
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