Lemon water is not only a good source of vitamins, but it can also strengthen the immune system, fight many diseases and hydrate the body. However the acidity of the lemon can be dangerous and have negative effects on your oral health especially on the enamel of your teeth. In this article, you will discover the consequences of lemon on the health of your teeth and how to protect them!
More and more people are looking for a natural and economical alternative to dental care and are trying some home remedies passed on from generation to generation. Therefore, brushing your teeth with a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda or rinsing your mouth with lemon water can be excellent, healthy tips for whitening teeth and brightening your smile. But still it is necessary to adopt the simple gestures to avoid any danger for your teeth.
What is the impact of lemon on teeth?
Enamel is the hard coating that protects your teeth, it is the strongest substance in the human body. When your enamel is eroded, your teeth become susceptible to cavities and their color tends to turn yellow. A large amount of acidic foods can also irritate the mucous membranes and cause canker sores.
The pH of a lemon can vary between 2 and 2.6, because the lower the pH, the more acidic it is. However, lemon water is not the only drink with a low pH that can destroy tooth enamel, but also soft drinks, wine, strawberries, vinegar and other citrus fruits. . The impact of these foods on teeth has been the subject of several studies that have shown that citric acid causes erosion of tooth enamel.
Be careful ! Here's how to drink acidic beverages and preserve your tooth enamel.
Thus, you can largely enjoy the benefits of lemon or other natural products without damaging your teeth. Just follow the tips below:
Sipping lemon water throughout the day is not a healthy practice for your oral health, so you can enjoy the benefits of lemon by drinking a limited amount in one shot.
Also consider the amount of water in which you will dilute your lemon juice. Avoid drinking concentrated juice to avoid damaging your teeth.
Use a straw to drink your acidic drink, this will allow you to swallow the acidic liquid, away from the teeth and thus minimize its contact with them.
After drinking your lemon water or acidic drink, rinse your mouth with clean water and spit it out. You should know that saliva contains minerals that compensate for demineralization resulting from the consumption of foods and acidic beverages.
Remember to consume foods that neutralize acid, such as dairy products such as yogurt, of course if you tolerate them otherwise opt for a raw vegetable like carrot.
Do not brush for at least 30 minutes after drinking water with lemon or other acidic beverage. It is best to do this before drinking lemon water, but only if you wait a few minutes before consuming it.
Remember that commercially-available products undergo several tests and tests to prevent tooth damage. If you decide to opt for a natural alternative, do not hesitate to talk to your dentist to assess and prevent its impact on your oral health.
