How to Protect Your Teeth from Acidic Foods and Drinks

Any food or drink which has acidic flavour content acts as the enemy of the oral environment. Most of the time, food is generally associated with taste and nutrients; however, such foods are basically thought of as acids that enfeeble the enamel for some period and later cause a cavity or sensitivity. Maybe this will be able to give the answer on how one can protect his teeth against these kinds of foods and drinks, generally acidic and harmful to health, leaving a healthy smile. 

Acidic Foods and Drinks: Know Them

In fact, they are very much like concentrated acid foods and drinks of low pH levels wherein the enamel of teeth is eroded continuously and result in very common culprits such as:

Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits actually have high acidity levels and high contents of citric acid.

Sodas and Soft Drinks: Most of these are carbonated using phosphoric and citric acids.

Wine: The whites and the reds are acidic and will do the same thing to wear down your tooth enamel.

Vinegar: A common ingredient in salads, it is another food elevating acidity.

Some Berries : Quite useful to the organism, but very acid—for example, strawberries and blueberries.

Knowing how all those drinks and foods generally attack the teeth usually makes one aware of exactly how you can protect them.

On the other hand, the enamel is the outer covering that covers and protects the teeth. Indeed, it is the strongest substance in the human body, but the acids can reach a strength where they damage the enamel. You have acidic food and drinks. If taken, the acid brings down the oral pH level. Hence, it erodes the enamel demineralization. This might be the result of this process.

Tooth Sensitivity: When this enamel wears off, the dentin underneath it may get exposed, and one is bound to become more sensitive to anything either hot, cold, or sweet.

Cavities: Should this enamel be scrubbed off or thin, then damage can quickly set in, and an individual may bear cavities. With eroded enamel, one has higher chances of having cavities since this barrier against bacteria is not strong.

Discoloration: The yellowish colour of the teeth is hazardous when the enamel is already worn thin, considering the fact that the dentin below the teeth is usually transparent.

Keeping the Acids in Foods and Drinks Away from the Teeth

Now that we know about the danger, how do we actually keep the teeth away from these foods and drinks that are full of acid?

1. Rinse Your Mouth with Water: Rinse your mouth after taking any food or liquid. Of course, this will weaken the strength of the acids and help wash away food particles so that possibilities of wear are reduced.
2. Wait to Brush: You'll want to wait up to a half an hour after anything acidic and, in most cases. Right? Because if you have just had something of an acidic nature and you go ahead and brush your teeth right away, you really are continuing to further erode already soft enamel. Just let things rock and roll with your saliva doing a little of this work, and it will at least allow things to normalise.
3. With a Straw: Each time you drink some acidic beverage, do make sure that you sincerely use the straw and let it come in contact with your teeth for the minimum time. Honestly, it happens to be one of those really very simple ways through which you can reduce exposure of the enamel to such acids to an extremely great extent.
4. BELOVED SUPPLIES: It should be one's priority even before what is one's disposal. An example is, and it is sugar-based smoothies of non-acidic fruits like banana, melons, and so on and so forth also that ought to be taken instead of the other smoothies of acidic fruits juices like citrus.
5. GOOD ORAL HYGIENE: The word on this issue includes at least twice a day brushing of the teeth with fluoride toothpaste, flossing. Fluoride is to be used to help the enamel get re-mineralized and give it one more layer against the erosion from acid.
6. Graze on Goodies: If you're somebody who snacks on more acidic foods, then don't do that as much. On the other hand, if you're someone who likes chewing on those good goodies, then keep weird things like cheese or nuts on hand. Both of them are really great at counterbalancing acids.
7. Dentist Check-Ups: After periodic intervals, go to the dentist to get routine cleanings and checkups. If you do show up, then more than likely, your dentist will chart all changes taking place in your enamel and apprise you of other better ways in which you can protect your teeth.

Conclusion

Hence, teeth should be kept and kept away from this kind of food or drink since a smile is the best attire one can wear. Finally, it is the pragmatic ways of how you can help reduce the dental ravages of the acid on your enamel that will make you enjoy the food and drinks you love. During this journey, other oral hygiene regimes other than moderation go hand in hand with regular visits to the dentist. Keep these tips handy; those will be confident smiles flashing throughout your lifetime good numbers and healthy teeth.

Also Read :

Top 50 Dentists in Tucson 85712

How to Handle a Dental Emergency When Travelling

The Connection Between Oral Health and Digestive Health

What is a Smile Makeover?

The Impact of Caffeine on Your Oral Health

How to Deal with a Chipped or Cracked Tooth

The Role of Saliva in Maintaining Oral Health

Faqs

• 1. What are the acidic foods and drinks?

  High acid content within foods/drink: That is all the citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, wine, vinegar, and some berries. These will all add to wear away your tooth enamel when taken to excess.

• 2. How do I know if my enamel is being worn away?

  Some possible presentations of this wearing away are tooth sensitivity, staining, and dents or appearances of grooves in the teeth. This wearing away is apparent from a dental visit.

• 3. Are there any dental products which might help?

  Fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes generally have good re-mineralization properties on the enamel, hence protecting the teeth from acid erosion. Your physician may recommend some products for you.

• 4. Acidic food and drink?

  Yes, you can still take them. However, you would just put in protective conditions whenever you're going to drink those after your lunch and dinner, just after your regular oral hygiene care.

• 5. Teeth Sensitivity: What to Do?

  If you have ever had sensitivity issues with your teeth, then probably you should see a dentist in relation to your enamel. He can check on your enamel's health and give treatments or advice related to products concerning removal of sensitivity.

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