From aiding in digestion to boosting energy, there are several health benefits to drinking lemon water. Unfortunately, this doesn’t include dental benefits.
Due to their acidity, drinks like lemon water, apple cider vinegar, and carbonated water can weaken enamel leading to increased sensitivity, risk of cavities, and discolouration.
How Acidity Affects Enamel
The acidity content of your beverage is one of several factors that can affect your teeth. Acidic food and drinks soften tooth enamel, increasing tooth sensitivity and making your teeth more vulnerable to damage.
There are several functions of tooth enamel:
- Protects the inner layers of your teeth (dentin and pulp) from damage and decay. Enamel acts as a physical barrier against physical damage from biting, chewing, and grinding your teeth.
- Enamel helps resist acids and bacteria that can cause cavities and tooth decay.
- Enamel provides insulation for your teeth against extreme temperatures of food and drink that can lead to tooth sensitivity.
The enamel is the strongest mineral in the human body! Enamel is not a living tissue. If it becomes damaged, it cannot be repaired. Fortunately, existing enamel can be strengthened.
When we consume drinks that are acidic like lemon water, apple cider vinegar, carbonated water, juices, or sodas, the minerals in our teeth break down, a process called demineralization.
When a tooth experiences tooth decay the minerals in our teeth begin to break down, weakening our enamel which can lead to cavities or other dental concerns. Demineralization is natural but consuming certain foods and drinks can speed up this process.
Frequently consuming acidic beverages can weaken enamel and lead to dental concerns including:
How Does Lemon Water Affect Your Teeth?
Lemon water is highly acidic due to its high citric acid content. While this acidity can aid in digestion and offer other health benefits, it also poses a risk to dental health.
The primary concern with drinking lemon water is its potential to erode tooth enamel. When enamel comes into contact with the acids in lemon water, the enamel can soften and wear away over time.
We can still enjoy the health benefits of drinking lemon water! Consider the following tips to help mitigate the risks of drinking acidic beverages:
- Use a straw to help direct the lemon water away from your teeth, reducing contact with the enamel.
- After drinking lemon water, rinse your mouth with plain water to help neutralize the acid.
- Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic beverages, as the enamel is softer and more susceptible to abrasion. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
Apple Cider Vinegar & Enamel
Similar to lemon water, apple cider vinegar has gained popularity for its various health benefits. Many people add it to their water to aid digestion, support weight loss, and improve skin health!
Like lemon water, apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can have adverse effects on dental health including softening and damaging tooth enamel.
The acidity of apple cider vinegar can cause similar issues to lemon water, including enamel erosion and increased sensitivity. To help minimize these effects:
- Apple cider vinegar is very concentrated and acidic. Always dilute it in plenty of water to reduce its acidity.
- Avoid consuming apple cider vinegar multiple times a day to prevent prolonged exposure to acids.
- Rinse your mouth and wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Is Carbonated Water Harmful for Your Teeth?
Carbonated water, whether made with a SodaStream or purchased from the store, can harm your teeth. While carbonated water has lower sugar levels and acidity compared to soda, the carbonation in the water is what can make it harmful to teeth.
The carbonation process involves dissolving carbon dioxide in water to create carbonic acid, which can lower the pH of the water making it more acidic. Despite being water, looks can be deceiving! One study found that carbonated water can have a pH level between 2.7 and 3.3.
We can still enjoy carbonated water without harming our teeth by implementing the following tips:
- Avoid flavored carbonated waters, which often contain additional acids and sugars that can further harm your teeth. Consider consuming plain carbonated water.
- Limit the amount of carbonated water you drink to reduce exposure to acids.
- As with other acidic beverages, rinse your mouth with water after drinking and wait before brushing your teeth.
Restoring Tooth Enamel
Unfortunately, once tooth enamel is damaged it cannot be repaired. However, we can strengthen existing enamel.
Several over-the-counter and advanced treatment options can help strengthen your enamel. Your dentist can help determine the most suitable treatment option based on your degree of enamel erosion and other dental concerns.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
- Fluoride Toothpaste: Using toothpaste that contains fluoride can help strengthen weakened enamel. Fluoride helps to harden the enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.
- Dietary Changes: Reducing the intake of acidic drinks ( sodas, citrus fruits, vinegar, etc.) can prevent further enamel erosion. Drink more water!
Advanced Treatment Options
- Fluoride Treatments: Dentists can apply concentrated fluoride treatments directly on your teeth to help strengthen enamel.
- Dental Sealants: These are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your premolars and molars. They can prevent cavities and shield enamel from plaque and acids.
- Bonding: When enamel is significantly damaged dental bonding may be used. This involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the affected areas to protect the remaining enamel and improve the tooth’s appearance.
- Crowns or Veneers: For more severe enamel loss, dentists might recommend crowns or veneers. These are custom coverings that fit over the tooth to protect it and restore its function and appearance.
Schedule an Appointment!
We can still enjoy drinking acidic beverages like lemon water by using tips to help minimize adverse effects on our teeth!
Visiting your dental team for routine exams and cleaning helps to maintain healthy enamel, and a strong, beautiful smile!
Connect with our team at False Creek Dental to schedule your next routine cleaning.
