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What's Eating My Teeth?

CSEF · 2026 Chemistry (Junior Division)

Emily Fan

Overview

Acidic drinks are commonly consumed and may contribute to tooth enamel erosion. This experiment investigated how different beverages affect tooth enamel using eggshells as a model, since eggshells are made primarily of calcium carbonate, similar to tooth enamel. The research question asked whether different drinks cause different levels of enamel damage. It was hypothesized that acidic drinks would cause more damage than water due to acid-mineral reactions. Fifteen eggs were divided into five groups and submerged for 48 hours in water, vinegar, lemonade, orange soda, or Diet Coke, with three eggs per group. The eggs were fully immersed, and observations were recorded after 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours. Changes in shell appearance, texture, strength, and staining were documented. The pH of each liquid was measured to compare acidity levels. The results showed clear differences between the treatments. Eggs submerged in water showed no visible changes. Vinegar caused the most damage, including significant shell softening and near-complete shell dissolution. Lemonade and the soft drinks caused moderate damage, such as roughened surfaces, shell weakening, and staining. In all acidic solutions, damage increased with longer exposure time, and results were consistent across trials. The results supported the hypothesis that different drinks affect enamel differently. Acidic beverages caused greater damage than water by reacting with the calcium in the eggshell. This experiment demonstrates how prolonged exposure to acidic drinks may contribute to enamel erosion and highlights the importance of making informed dietary choices to protect dental health.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Chemistry (Junior Division) · Entry J-05-03

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