Beyond sugar, other dietary elements can harm your smile. Consuming foods and beverages high in acids contributes to the erosion of the enamel safeguarding your teeth, a phenomenon known as tooth erosion. This alteration in the appearance of your teeth not only occurs but also creates an opportunity for bacteria to enter, potentially leading to cavities or infection.
Acidic Foods Cause Tooth Erosion
Despite the hardness of tooth enamel, the elevated acid content in various foods and juices can gradually weaken and demineralize it. While the calcium present in saliva aids in strengthening enamel, an excessively acidic oral environment can impede the remineralization process, ultimately resulting in tooth erosion and decay. If you must consume these foods, be aggressive in maintaining adequate oral health to avoid damage to your enamel.
How to Prevent Tooth Erosion
Preserving your teeth from erosion does not mean giving up acidic foods entirely. Some of the tips you can implement include avoiding sucking on lemons or eating highly acidic fruits, as prolonged contact can soften tooth enamel. Use a straw when consuming fruit juices to minimize direct contact with your teeth.
Rinse your mouth after eating fruit to dilute any acids, and wait for a minimum of 30 minutes before brushing to allow the enamel to resettle. It would help if you also strengthen your enamel by brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
Consume cheese after eating fruit to raise pH levels in the mouth and boost saliva production, which aids in acid neutralization. While maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables for sufficient vitamin C is crucial, take precautions to protect your teeth from acidic foods. Ensure daily brushing and flossing, incorporate non-acidic foods into your diet, and limit consumption of acidic foods and drinks.
Regular dental check-ups can help address enamel concerns and contribute to a lasting, healthy smile. Ensure you contact our dental office for more information about how acidic foods can affect your teeth.