Acid is the enemy of tooth enamel. Dental research suggests that people eating and drinking foods with low pH (high acidities) are most apt to develop irreversible tooth erosion. This dental decomposition caused by acid breaks down the tooth structure.
There are many different types of foods and drinks that are high in acidity and a myriad of acids that can negatively affect your dental health:
- fruit and fruit products contain citric and malic acids
- soft drinks contain phosphoric acid
- fermented products (yogurt) contains lactic acid
- grapes and wines contain tartaric acid
Generally, fruits are the most acidic foods:
(Measuring highest to lowest pH)
pH Fruits
2 – 3 lemon juice, vinegar
3 – 4 apples, blueberries, cherries, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, raspberries
4 – 5 bananas
6 melons
The answer to prevent further breakdown of the enamel? Chewing sugar-free gums, and finishing a meal with milk or a small piece of cheese can help by increasing salivary flow to wash away and dilute acids on your teeth. You may also apply fluoride (ex: MI Paste) or simply rinsing mouth with water to reduce the acid. So ORANGE-you going to an appointment with Chicago Smile Design today? (Written by Kristin D., RDH)