Foods and drinks containing sugar are bad for our teeth. In several instances, the most problematic is soda since colas and similar drinks contain carbonation and very high levels of sugar. Since flavoured beverages, candy and desserts are recognized to bring problems to our dental health, sugar is not the only concern.
Pop, sport drinks, foods, fruits and juices all contain various types of acids. Acidity levels can be measured with a pH scale – where the lower number on the scale indicates the higher acidic level of a substance.
Acid damages tooth enamel and although you can’t eliminate all acidic foods and drinks to protect your teeth, cutting back on excess acid in your diet can help maintain a healthy smile and boost your dental health.
Acidic Foods to Avoid for Teeth
Foods that contain high levels of acidity are known to cause cavities, however not all acidic foods have a sweet taste like candy and pop. Several food and drink options contain acids that can erode the tooth enamel progressively, even options that are healthy. Foods and beverages that we enjoy every day that can affect our oral health.
- Soda
- Sports drinks
- Coffee
- Juice (i.e. orange juice, apple juice, etc.)
- Citrus (i.e. limes, lemons, citrus flavoring, etc.)
- Other fruits like berries, tomatoes, etc.
- Tea
- Carbonated beverages (i.e. sparkling water, champagne, etc.)
- Candy (especially sour candy)
- Meats
- Foods with high salt content
- Alcohol
- Certain dairy products (i.e. sour cream, flavored yogurt, aged cheeses, and more)
- Eggs
Although the list is fairly long, it does not contain everything that is on the market. The issue is that these foods don’t need to be avoided but consuming large amounts of them can make a negative impact on our teeth.
When patients consume high acid foods on a regular basis, the acid buildup will eventually erode their tooth enamel. Patients that suffer from acid reflux can also cause potential damage to their tooth enamel.
When tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be reversed. It is important to take care of our enamel and oral health in order to prevent further damage and maintain strong, healthy teeth.
Ways to Neutralize Acid on Teeth
Patients that reduce the number of acidic foods they consume can benefit more than neutralizing the acid in their mouths. In some cases, foods that can cause cavities might be difficult to avoid, in this case it’s better to understand how to reduce the amount of acid in the mouth to protect tooth enamel. Rinsing with water after consuming acidic foods, chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate the production of saliva and using fluoride toothpaste can help neutralize acid and minimize its cavity causing effects. Also, consuming alkaline foods such as vegetables and dairy can further balance acidity levels in the mouth.
The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnoses so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.
