It is impossible to deny that citrus foods have many nutritional properties and are very good for our health. But, like any other food, abusing them is not healthy, much less for our tooth enamel.
What is tooth enamel?
Enamel is a hard substance that covers the visible part of the teeth , protecting them from bacteria. It is the hardest mineral substance in the body, but not indestructible, since it cannot heal itself as it does not contain living substances.
Despite its hardness, it is a fairly thin layer that little by little is damaged by the bacteria that enter our mouth through food, by poor dental hygiene or by overusing certain foods, such as citrus fruits.
Why is excessive use of citrus fruits bad for tooth enamel?
So that you understand it well, foods like oranges, pineapple, or lemon have many nutritional properties for the body, but they also contain what is known as citric acid.
When this acid comes into contact with the enamel, a chemical effect known as erosion occurs. The erosion directly deteriorates the calcium in the teeth, crystallizing it and mobilizing it in such a way that the teeth are at risk and their deterioration increases, as has been shown.
This puts our dental health at risk, making the pieces weaker against the attack of bacteria and other food contaminants.
Signs that you are suffering from dental erosion
These are some of the symptoms that will warn you that your enamel is damaged:
- Sensitivity: When eating food, whether hot or cold, you will feel a stab of pain, especially in the early stages of erosion.
- Discoloration: The teeth will turn yellow as the enamel has worn away and the dentin will be visible.
- Cracks or chips: The edges of your teeth will feel more irregular.
How can you prevent erosion by eating citrus fruits?
First of all, drinking a glass of lemon or orange juice, or eating a few slices of pineapple will not cause erosion.
This happens when citrus consumption is high. If you are one of those who take many, we advise you to take these preventive measures:
- Drink soft drinks or juices with a straw.
- Drink drinks that are low in sugar, or sugar-free.
- Wait 30 minutes after drinking the citrus to brush your teeth, or you will produce what is known as mechanical erosion that will further damage the enamel.
- Drink a glass of water with a tablespoon of baking soda to reduce the pH introduced into your mouth by citrus foods.