The majority of people enjoy eating fruits because they are juicy, sweet, and can provide a good amount of vitamin C. But fruits and fruit drinks can be extremely acidic, and daily consumption of highly acidic foods and beverages can damage teeth if proper aftercare is not taken. Consuming acidic fruits and other foods can eventually erode tooth enamel, resulting in problems like tooth sensitivity and erosion. You can keep enjoying the nutritious foods you love by being aware of how acid affects your teeth and taking appropriate care of your dental health.
What Does Acidity Mean?
Any substance’s acidity or alkalinity can be determined using the pH scale, which runs from 0 to 14. Acidic substances have a pH of less than 7, and alkaline substances have a pH of greater than 7. The neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is where your saliva should ideally remain in order to help stop tooth decay and acid erosion of your enamel.
Which Foods Have the Highest Acidity?
- Foods high in acid can cause discoloration, sensitivity, and decay. Moderate consumption of these is essential. You should be aware of the following extremely acidic foods and beverages:
- Citrus fruits include oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, and limes.
- Additional Fruits: pineapples, pomegranates, peaches, blueberries, apples, and grapes
- Regular and diet-friendly fruit juices and sodas
- Tomato juice and tomatoes
- Jellies and jams
- Vinegar
- Sauerkraut
Try adding more non-acidic foods and drinks to your diet to balance it out, like:
- Lima, kidney, soy, and black beans
- Broccoli, spinach, asparagus, peppers, corn, and peas
- Fish: Meat from crabs, shrimp, and salmon
- Cheeses
- Bread
- Tofu
- Green Tea
- Yams, rice, and potatoes
- Melons: honeydew, watermelons, and cantaloupes
- Additional Fruits: ripe papayas, bananas, and mangoes
Dental Erosion: What Is It?
Because many foods and beverages contain a lot of acid, tooth enamel, despite its hardness, can weaken and demineralize over time. An excessively acidic environment inhibits remineralization, which results in dental erosion and decay even though the calcium in saliva helps to strengthen enamel. Typical indicators of erosion include:
- Sensitivity: sensitivity to foods that are hot or cold,
- sweets with a strong flavor, as well as cold air.
- Discoloration: As enamel thins and the dentin beneath is revealed, teeth may appear slightly yellower.
- Rounded Teeth: The chewing surface has tiny dents and softer or sanded edges.
- Transparency: The front teeth, or incisors, may have more transparent edges.
- Cracks: Small flaws or sharp spots along the edges of teeth.
- Steer clear of sucking on lemons or limes as this can cause the enamel on your teeth to become softer.
- Use a Straw: To reduce tooth contact, use a straw when consuming acidic liquids, such as fruit juices.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Wait at least half an hour before brushing to give your enamel time to settle, and rinse with water after eating acidic foods to dilute the acids.
- Use fluoride toothpaste on your teeth because it strengthens enamel.
- Eat Cheese After Fruit: Cheese can boost saliva production and neutralize acids.
Getting enough vitamin C requires eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables. But it’s also critical to take precautions against acidic damage to your teeth. You can enjoy your favorite fruits and maintain the health of your smile by eating more non-acidic foods and paying attention to these tips. In addition to brushing and flossing every day, schedule routine dental checkups with your Rohnert Park CA dentist to talk about enamel health and other ways to keep your smile looking great.
See your dentist for individualized guidance and to make sure your dental health stays on course. They can help you maintain your teeth in the best possible condition and offer recommendations that are specifically catered to your needs.