Soft drinks are known to demineralize tooth enamel. Which acid is common to soft beverages and capable of demineralizing enamel?

• A. Acetic acid
• B. Phosphoric acid
• C. Formic acid
• D. Oxalic acid

Answer: (B)

When enamel is exposed to acids, the pH drops and hydroxyapatite dissolves, leading to demineralization. Soft drinks commonly use phosphoric acid as the acidulant, which lowers the drink’s pH enough to promote this mineral loss from enamel. Among the acids listed, phosphoric acid is the one most consistently found in popular soft beverages, so it best explains why these drinks can demineralize enamel. The other acids—acetic, formic, and oxalic—occur in some foods or niche beverages but are not the typical acidulants driving enamel erosion in most soft drinks.