Although acids are crucial for dental health, when we hear the word “acid,” we may think of the many substances we saw in glass bottles during science class in school. We could also consider it to be the source of indigestion and heartburn.
A number of meals and beverages contain enough acid to be detrimental to your teeth’s health. Dental erosion is brought on by high-acid meals and beverages, which can also have detrimental effects on the strength of the enamel that surrounds and shields teeth.
The effects of acid on the mouth
Acids degrade the enamel of teeth, making them more susceptible to harm. The enamel temporarily softens and loses part of its mineral composition whenever we consume acidic foods or beverages. Our teeth’s enamel is a strong, protective layer that shields the delicate dentine below. When the enamel wears away, the dentine below is seen, which can cause sensitivity and pain.
Saliva will, of course, gradually neutralize this acidity and bring the mouth’s chemical equilibrium back. However, the enamel may sustain irreversible damage if this acid attack occurs repeatedly.
The three most prevalent forms of acid found in food and beverages are phosphoric, citric, and carbonic acids. These acids cause tooth erosion by weakening enamel.
The two Fs—fruit and fizz—are the primary offenders when it comes to acidic meals and beverages.
Fizz
“Fizziness” is frequently a dead giveaway that a beverage is acidic. Among them, carbonated drinks, sodas, pops, and fizzy drinks are the most popular. Even “diet” brands with “Fizz” in them are bad.
Alcohols can also be acidic. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, cider, prosecco, white wine, and alcopops can cause significant tooth erosion.
Simply limiting our exposure to fizzy drinks is the greatest approach to prevent the harm they do, according to Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation. Try avoiding acidic beverages outside of mealtimes to lessen your exposure to them.
Another piece of advice is to swiftly swallow the beverage without “swishing” or holding it in your tongue. Once more, the goal is to minimize the duration of acid exposure to the teeth. Drinks can go to the back of the mouth and prevent further tooth contact when a straw is used.
“The drinks market is full of products that are high in acidity and that can play havoc on the enamel of our teeth,” explains Dr. Soha Dattani, Director of Scientific & Professional Affairs at GSK Consumer Healthcare. This frequently makes it challenging for us as customers to select beverages in a healthful manner. This holds true whether we’re interacting with people, going to events, or dining out.
The greatest beverage for teeth is plain, calm water. Another benefit of milk is that it helps balance out the acids in the tongue.
Fruit
An essential component of a nutritious, well-balanced diet are fruits. However, because fruits contain citric acid, they might promote tooth damage.
Since citrus fruits are acidic and have low pH values, they are the worst offenders. Lemons, limes, plums, grapes, grapefruits, blueberries, pineapples, oranges, peaches, and tomatoes are the fruits with the highest acidity.
We may take a few steps to reduce the harm that fruits can inflict to our teeth.
As with carbonated drinks, the first thing we can do is limit them to mealtimes, says Dr. Nigel Carter. Fruit should be had at breakfast, lunch, and supper to ensure that teeth are not overworked and to give the recommended daily intake.
Second, avoid using fruit juice and always strive to eat fruit in its entirety. Although sugar is naturally present in most fruit, it is also added to many fruit juices. It’s bad for your teeth. Fruit juice frequently lacks or has a lower concentration of vitamins, minerals, and fiber than whole fruit.
Additional pointers and counsel
One of the earliest indications of dental erosion may be tooth sensitivity brought on by acidic food-induced enamel degradation. You should make an appointment for a dental examination if you have a sensitivity to sweet foods or temperatures. Special “desensitizing” products can be used to treat sensitivity and assist alleviate its symptoms. Fluoride gels, rinses, and varnishes may fall under this category.
While you wait for a dentist visit, you may also treat the symptoms of dental erosion at home by using items like toothpastes that strengthen enamel and lessen sensitivity. The ideal toothpaste for you will be determined by your dentist.
“What foods and drinks contain acid and why it spells trouble for our oral health,” Borthwick, Josh. Oral Health Foundation. “What foods and drinks contain acid and why it causes problems for our oral health” https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog