Beware of an Acidic Diet

Beware of an Acidic Diet

dentist DatapointWhen you think of acid, you usually get an image of something burning or seemingly melting away on contact. The acid in foods and beverages we consume does not work with that kind of speed; however, consistent consumption of products with high acid content can do damage to teeth over time. If you see your dentist on a regular basis, evidence of this may be seen and cautioned against.

What is meant by acidic foods? There are acids in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Some vegetables like tomatoes are very high in acidic content. But these are healthy foods … must they be removed from the diet to maintain oral health?

There are suggestions that can allow you to continue to consume these healthy foods … drink water following consumption, or chew sugar free gum. Both can help to reduce the acid that might damage dental enamel. Your dentist would caution about brushing your teeth too soon following eating these foods as their acidic content can soften the enamel; brushing too soon may damage your dental enamel.

Sugary snacks and beverages might not produce the same type of acid as citrus foods; however, if teeth are not cleaned within twenty to thirty minutes following their consumption, acid begins to form on teeth feeding the plaque that builds on teeth that can result in dental decay and/or gum disease. [pullquote]Developing a daily hygiene regimen consisting of brushing at least twice per day with a fluoridated tooth paste coupled with flossing daily to remove debris your tooth brush can’t reach will go a long way in helping to maintain great dental health.[/pullquote]

Carbonated beverages (even those without sugar) contain phosphoric acid that can contribute to decay as well. If carbonated beverages are to be consumed, drink them with a straw to bypass the teeth as much as possible.

Just about everything you eat or drink (except water) contains something that has the potential to do damage to your teeth. The key to maintaining good dental health is awareness; know which foods are more hazardous and limit them.

Developing a daily hygiene regimen consisting of brushing at least twice per day with a fluoridated tooth paste coupled with flossing daily to remove debris your tooth brush can’t reach will go a long way in helping to maintain great dental health.

See your dentist every six months for cleaning, polishing, and a dental exam. Catching problems before they have a chance to escalate is a great way to keep your natural teeth for a lifetime, which is an attainable goal. To learn more, contact our skilled team at Aesthetic Dental Partners. Call 210-616-0858 today to schedule your visit.