The American Dental Union (ADU) today warns that consuming acidic foods regularly can lead to dental erosion, which can cause a range of dental health problems.

The ADU declared that acidic food intake should be monitored, and individuals consuming acidic foods must take appropriate precautions to prevent dental erosion. Read on to explore how acidic foods affect your teeth and what measures you can take to protect your teeth.

Acidic Foods and Your Teeth

Acidic foods and drinks contain high amounts of acid, which can corrode and dissolve the protective enamel of your teeth.

The acidic nature of these foods can also cause your mouth’s pH levels to drop, reducing the acidity’s buffering capacity in your saliva and causing further damage to your teeth. Over time, acid erosion can lead to different kinds of dental problems, such as:.

Tooth sensitivity
Tooth decay
Tooth discoloration
Tooth enamel damage
Dental pain and discomfort
Gum inflammation

To protect your dental health, it is crucial to monitor your daily intake of acidic foods to maintain good oral health and prevent dental erosion.

How to Identify Acidic Foods

A lot of foods and drinks on the market have high acidic contents. Some of the ways to identify them include:.

Label reading: Read food and drink labels to detect those containing high acidic contents
pH tests: Perform pH tests on your food and drinks using pH strips available in pharmacies
Bite test: After eating, apply pressure on teeth surfaces with your front teeth and if you feel a chalky texture, this is an indication of excessive acid presence

Some examples of acidic foods and drinks include:.

Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits)
Vinegar (especially apple cider vinegar)
Sour candies
Sodas and sweetened beverages
Tropical fruits (kiwi, mangos, pineapples)
Tomatoes and tomato products
Coffee and tea (especially black tea)
Alcohol (beer, wine and spirits)

How to Protect Your Teeth from Acidic Foods

While it is necessary to monitor and reduce the intake of acidic foods, it is still possible to have them. Here are some tips to help protect your teeth:.

Drink a lot of water with your acidic foods to rinse away food particle and strengthen your saliva’s buffering capacity
Eat acidic foods alongside dairy products such as cheese, milk or yugurt to mitigate the acidic effect
Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic food or drinks. Rinse your mouth with water and wait for 30 minutes before brushing.
Chew sugar-free gum to increase salivation, neutralize the acidity, and clean food particles from your teeth.

Dental Health and Acidic Foods

Your diet plays a crucial role in your dental health and overall well-being. It is vital to pay closer attention to your diet and limit or avoid acidic foods to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Scheduling regular dental appointment with your dentist for dental check-up and cleaning can also help mitigate the damage and ensure a healthy dental practice.

Conclusion

Plenty of foods and drinks on the market have high acidic levels. Consuming these foods and drinks regularly can cause dental erosion, gum inflammation, and other dental problems.

However, monitoring your daily intake of acidic foods and taking necessary precautions can help protect your teeth. Remember to book an appointment with a dentist and take care of your overall dental health.