TikTok fads that are damaging oral care

Certain drinks may have health benefits but excessive sugar can counteract the health gain. Image by Tim Sandle

The TikTok drink fads of 2026 are characterized by a blend of wellness, nostalgia, and creativity. However, what is the impact of these upon dental healthcare?

The company Zental (a dental practitioner) has recently reviewed 27 ‘trendy’ drinks polling high on TikTok and identified which are quietly destroying dental health. To find the most harmful drinks, the analysis looked at their pH levels, erosion risks, sugar content, staining potential, and consumption frequency.

The top 5 everyday drinks that dentists named as the most harmful are:

1. Olive oil with lemon juice
2. Soda
3. Apple cider vinegar
4. Kombucha
5. Cranberry juice

In terms of further analysis, this reveals:

Olive oil with lemon juice

While the interest in olive oil mixed with lemon juice drinks has risen by over 5,000%, because of its support for digestion and detoxification, it is one of the most dangerous drinks for the teeth. It has a very low pH level of 2.25-3, meaning it’s acidic. Acid drinks can erode tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity, decay, and cavities.

“Olive oil with lemon juice doesn’t contain any sugar, so many think it cannot be bad for your teeth,” comments Mr Ihsaan Al-Hadad, Co-Founder and Clinical Director at Zental to Digital Journal. “But drinking it every day as a morning shot can harm your teeth in the long run. It’s extremely erosive, and if your mouth feels weird afterwards, you should find an alternative.”

Soda / Coca-Cola

According to Al-Hadad: “Every dental specialist talks about it, but people keep thinking it won’t affect them. Sodas are often very acidic, they contain a lot of sugar, and that’s a direct way to destroy your teeth. Drinking one can in 5-10 minutes will harm your mouth less, but using it as a beverage for lunch or dinner is a bad idea.”

Apple Cider Vinegar

The positive effects of apple cider vinegar include antioxidation effects, killing harmful bacteria, and even helping with weight loss, but the product can also harm your teeth if not diluted properly. Its popularity as a drink instead of a part of a dressing rose in recent years, but people are rarely discussing how to drink it without risk.

“One-two teaspoons in a 500 ml cup a day is more than enough to feel the positive effects,” says the Al-Hadad. “This one big cup is enough for the whole day, and even two tablespoons in the same amount of water can lead to tooth erosion.”

Kombucha

The interest in kombucha rose 30% in recent years, and many celebrities even launched their own fermented tea brands. While the taste is much nicer than undiluted apple cider vinegar, kombucha has similar pH levels. It also contains around 12 grams of sugar per serving, and the daily intake can lead to teeth staining.

Cranberry juice

Al-Hadad states: “Cranberries help with cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and even regulate blood sugar, but it’s not a drink that can be taken daily. It’s also one of those juices that can cause discoloration and make teeth more yellow.”

Similar to other drinks in the top 5, cranberry juice is very acidic, and it has the second-highest sugar content, with 28 grams per serving. It is over two-thirds of the sugar amount in a typical can of soda.

Summary

Al-Hadad summarises these latest fads, observing: “Low pH and high sugar don’t mean that people should avoid those drinks. The best tactic is to be aware of possible side effects and not take them daily. There are many substitutes, too. Matcha latte is rich in antioxidants, and isn’t acidic at all, while celery juice helps to improve digestion, similar to olive oil with lemon juice.”