One of the internet’s biggest buzzwords this year is “kombucha.” While many of us have heard of it, we’re still not sure what it is. Kombucha is a “fermented sweetened tea made of a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (Salon).” That is to say, it’s a probiotic. There are reports that it can help with an increase in energy levels, decrease inflammation, and even alleviate anxiety. You can find the drink in almost all grocery stores. You’ll especially find it well-stocked in health-food stores like Whole Foods. It’s big business. You might ask yourself, is there a downside to kombucha? If you aren’t too fond of your teeth, then there is no downside. If you do like your teeth, then we have bad news for you. Dentists have noticed an increase in enamel eroding thanks to kombucha.

“Kombucha is nearly as acidic as a pop and energy drinks. “Acidic drinks mess with the PH level of the saliva which ideally should be 7 or 7.3, when the saliva level becomes more acidic it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria which can take over the mouth.” – Dr. Bobby J. Grossi, author, motivational speaker, and founder of the Grossi Institute for Dental Assisting

Dr. Grossi insisted that water and milk are superior choices to kombucha and certainly soda. Both kombucha and soda contain high levels of sugar and acid in them. While kombucha has added health benefits, it’s up to the consumers to determine if it is worth it for them. Avid kombucha drinkers have experienced “pitting” in their mouths thanks to the drink. Let’s revisit the question posed earlier: is there a downside to kombucha? Yes. Not to mention, many nutritionists and health professionals are unsure of the health benefits. This isn’t to say that there aren’t any health benefits. There might be. We just want our readers to exercise caution when shopping.

If you would like to continue (or start) drinking kombucha, we recommend drinking water with lemon right after to create a more neutral environment for your mouth. If you do drink kombucha, we’re curious to know how it’s affected you. Let us know in the comments below! For more information on dental health, click here.