How Acidic Food And Drinks Harm Your Teeth
You might have heard your dentist or hygienist caution you to avoid food and drinks with too much acid in them. Many, though, are a bit puzzled as to how they are consuming acid and why it bothers their teeth so much. For the answers, read on.
Acids Can Do Harm
Acids in the things we eat and drink can erode tooth enamel. Though our teeth are one of the hardest of substances in the body, acids, if consumed often enough, will begin to break that enamel down eventually. Acids work by stripping teeth of the minerals they need to remain strong and healthy. They also make teeth soft and more prone to breaking and decay.
Normally, saliva will work to remove acid from outer tooth surfaces and return the mouth to a healthier state. However, too much acid will eventually begin to cause problems.
The outer layer of teeth, the enamel, protects the inner layer of dentin. The dentin is highly sensitive to heat, cold, and contact. The result can be increasing occurrences of teeth sensitivity when eating or drinking things at temperature extremes. If you have noticed a tendency toward sensitivity, speak to your dentist. Special toothpaste and mouth rinses may be suggested by your dentist. However, the best move to make is to reduce your use of acidic food and drinks.
Acidic Food and Drinks
If you can hear your drink as it pops and fizzes, it's probably acidic. Acids are often present in sparkling drinks like soda and other carbonated drinks. Most acids are consumed through soft drinks, beer, and sparkling alcoholic drinks.
Everyone knows that fruit is considered a healthy food. However, fruit can also be naturally acidic. Citric acid can have the same effect on teeth as drinking carbonated sodas. Watch out for acidic fruit like:
- Grapefruit
- Lemons
- Limes
- Pineapples
- Grapes
- Oranges
And more.
Tips for Reducing Acid Intake
It's not advisable to remove an entire category of food from your diet because it contains too much acid. Fruits, even those with a high acid content, are generally far more healthy than sweet and fatty foods. Even soft drinks need not be eliminated if you follow the tips below to reduce the impact of acid on your teeth:
- Cleaning your teeth after eating or drinking can reduce acids right away. Brush your teeth and use a rinse containing fluoride for the best result.
- Don't allow the food or drink to linger in your mouth. Don't swish carbonated beverages around as if they were mouthwash.
- Drink milk when possible as it works as an acid neutralizer.
Visit a dental office to find out more.
