How Do Acidic Foods Affect Your Teeth?
Thur, Jun 6th, 2019
When acid levels in the food we eat and drink cause our enamel to erode, our teeth can become yellow and tarnished as a result. In this blog, we’ll discuss which foods have high acidic levels, what foods have low acidic levels, and what to do to prevent dental erosion.
Highly Acidic Foods
We get it, some of life’s guilty pleasures aren’t the best for good oral hygiene; Coffee, alcohol, cake… Just to name a few. But what about foods that have numerous health benefits, but are also highly acidic and can cause your teeth to lose their enamel? Such as:
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Lemons
- Limes
- Cranberries
- Tomatoes
To limit the amount of acid that sticks to your teeth, try and drink water after eating these foods to wash away some of the acid until you can brush your teeth. When drinking juices, drink through a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
Low Acidic Foods
Foods with low acidic levels to protect your teeth are:
- Nuts
- Mangos
- Apples
- Bananas
- Melons
- Vegetables
If you’re currently eating acidic foods and have noticed discoloration in your teeth, we strongly consider incorporating low acidic foods with higher PH levels into your diet.
How to Prevent Dental Erosion
Yes, your decision to eat acidic or low acidic foods can affect the enamel on your teeth. But let’s not forget the three core steps in maintaining a healthy mouth; Seeing your dentist twice every year, brushing twice every day, and flossing daily. If you follow these three steps, in addition to maintaining a low acidic diet, the chances of sustaining good oral hygiene will significantly increase.
If you have any questions or concerns about how your diet is affecting your oral hygiene, or would like to schedule a dental exam, give Arnold Dentistry a call today!
(813) 689-1529