Fruits are a favorite of many people. Fruits are delicious and sweet. They also provide high levels of vitamin A.
Acidic fruits and other food can cause tooth enamel loss and tooth sensitivity. You can still enjoy the health benefits from healthy foods by being aware about acidic effects on teeth and taking care to your dental health.
What is Acidity?
The pH ranges from 0 to 14. This scale is used to measure the acidity or basicity of any substance (also called “basicity”). You can measure the pH balance in food, liquids, and saliva. Acidic substances have a pH lower than 7.
Your saliva should stay within the neutral pH range of between 6.5 and 7.5. This range is perfect for protecting your enamel against acid erosion and tooth decay.
Which Foods Are Generally the Most Acidic?
High-acid foods can cause discoloration, sensitivity, and decay. High-acid foods should be eaten in moderation. These are the top high acid foods and drinks that you need to be aware of.
- Citrus fruits: grapefruits, grapefruits, grapefruits, and lemons
- Apples, grapes, peaches, pomegranates, blueberries, pineapples
- Fruit juices, sodas (both regular and diet)
- Tomatoes, tomato juice
- Jams and jelly
- Vinegar
- Sauerkraut
Eat and drink foods that don’t cause erosion, such as these nonacidic food and these non-acidic beverages.
- Beans: Soy, black, kidney, and lima
- Broccoli, peas, peppers, and corn.
- Fishes such as crab, shrimp, and salmon are all good options.
- Cheese
- Bread
- Tofu
- Green tea
- Rice, potatoes and yams
- Honeydew melons, cantaloupes and watermelon
- Papayas, bananas, and ripe mangoes
What’s Dental Erosion?
Tooth enamel can become as hard as possible due to acidity from many foods and beverages. This can cause tooth decay and weakness. Although saliva does not contain calcium, it can strengthen enamel. Remineralization is not possible if the surrounding environment is too acidic. This can lead to tooth decay and even erosion. There are several signs and symptoms that tooth erosion can cause.
- Sensitivity — You can feel sensitivity when your teeth come into contact with hot or cold foods, sweets that have strong flavors, or cold air.
- Coloration — Your enamel may become thinner, which can cause your teeth to appear yellower. This exposes the dentin underneath.
- Round teeth — Teeth may appear to have softer edges or smaller dents.
- Transparency — The front teeth of your incisors, also known as the incisors, may appear more transparent than they actually are.
- Cracks — Common cracks are small faults or sharp edges.
Preventing Enamel Erosion
You don’t have to stop eating acidic food in order to prevent tooth erosion. These are some ways to keep your teeth healthy.
- Avoid citrus fruits, limes and other acidic fruits. These fruits can be used for a long period of time against your teeth to soften their enamel.
- Use a straw when drinking fruit juices. The straw prevents juice from coming in direct contact with your teeth.
- After eating fruits, rinse your mouth with water to allow your enamel to heal. Before brushing, wait at least 30 minutes.
- Fluoride toothpaste can help keep your enamel strong.
- Eat cheese after your fruit. Cheese can increase pH levels and saliva production. It neutralizes acids.
To get enough vitamin C, it is important to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Your dentist will talk with you about how to maintain a healthy smile and enamel condition.