How Acidic Foods Affect Teeth
Posted on 3/8/2021 by Dr. Burnham |
 Whenever we have a toothache, we immediately blame sugar. However, sugar isn't the only culprit behind tooth sensitivity and decay. Acidic foods and drinks cause just as much harm and possibly more, depending on your dietary habits. From lemon to wine, high-acid foods and drinks can wear your teeth, cause discoloring, decay, and other dangerous oral health condition.
But this doesn't mean you stop consuming acidic foods and drinks. Instead, you have to change the way you consume these items.
At Rogue Valley Dental Center, Dr. Taucher and Dr. Burnham can guide you regarding the effects of acidic foods on your teeth and overall oral health.
The Effects of Acid Foods and Drinks on Your Teeth
Acids in food and drinks cause tooth enamel to wear away, causing its protection to wear away and exposes what's underneath it, i.e., dentin. This leaves your teeth vulnerable to bacteria and plaque, which cause sensitivity and decay. You might think that brushing right away should solve the problem. However, it only speeds up the wear down since acid softens your enamel.
One of the key ingredients in building strong teeth is calcium. By exposing your teeth to acid, you're leaching calcium from your enamel, which causes this surface to break down. This can lead to serious dental problems such as gum disease, discoloration, rounded teeth, cracks, and transparency.
How to Minimize the Effects of Acidic Foods on Your Teeth
The easiest way to minimize the effects of Acidic foods on your teeth is through balance. By perfectly balancing acidic and alkaline foods, you can neutralize the acidity and help keep your teeth in better health. Include vegetables, eggs, brown rice, lean meats, and whole grains in your diet – all foods that have low acid levels.
Temporary fixes such as desensitizing toothpaste also help, but their protection is limited. Regular cleanup and a balanced diet are the keys to maintaining your oral health.
At Rogue Valley Dental Center, Dr. Taucher or Dr. Burnham can devise an eating pattern to minimize the effects of acidic foods on your teeth to help reverse or prevent different dental problems. To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (541) 779-4517 today.
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Rogue Valley Dental Center 
