A cold glass of lemonade is a refreshing treat after a hard day’s work, but it’s important to be aware of the effects acidic foods and drinks have on your teeth. At our Westmount dental clinic in Montreal, we are dedicated to educating patients on how the food and drink choices you make can affect your oral health.
Acid Leads to Erosion
Although sugar contributes to tooth decay, high levels of acid in the foods and drinks you consume every day can be just as harmful. Acidic foods and drinks can wear away the enamel on your teeth, causing decay, sensitivity and discoloration. It doesn’t mean that you have to avoid them completely, but it’s important to be aware of the way you consume them to protect your teeth.
How to Enjoy Acidic Foods Safely
Citrus fruits and juices such as lemon, orange and grapefruit can cause serious erosion when consumed frequently. While a squeeze of lime can give your water a kick, it’s not something you should do every day. Plain water is the best beverage for good oral health.
Tea, coffee, wine and carbonated beverages can also damage your teeth. If you must consume acidic drinks like soda, use a straw and make sure to have some water handy to rinse your mouth.
Pickles, tomatoes and other foods that are high in acid should be eaten in limited amounts. If you eat or drink something acidic during a meal (or as a snack) wait at least a half hour before brushing your teeth. Acid softens tooth enamel, so brushing immediately after consuming high-acid foods can actually cause damage to your oral health. In the meantime, make sure to drink plenty of plain water.
In addition to being mindful of the foods and drinks you put in your body, practicing a good oral hygiene routine that includes twice-daily brushing and daily flossing can keep your teeth in tip-top shape. Seeing your Westmount dentist or dental clinic in Montreal for regular checkups will help you keep an eye on tooth erosion and catch any potential problems before they start.
