Citrus fruits are delicious and nutritious. Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits provide essential vitamins. They are rich in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
However, they can also affect your dental health. Here we’ll explore the impact of citrus fruits on tooth enamel. Learning about this impact can help you make better choices for your oral health.
What Is Tooth Enamel?
Tooth enamel is the outer layer of your teeth. It protects your teeth from damage and decay. Enamel is the hardest substance in your body. It is even harder than bone. However, it is not indestructible.
Acidic foods and drinks can wear it down. Once enamel wears away, it doesn’t grow back. Enamel acts as a shield for the softer and more sensitive inner layers of the teeth. It prevents bacteria and plaque from penetrating deeper into the tooth.
When enamel erodes, it exposes these inner layers and makes teeth more vulnerable to decay. Keeping your enamel healthy and strong is crucial for long-term dental health.
Why Citrus Fruits Are Acidic
Citrus fruits contain natural acids. These acids give them their tangy taste. The most common acid in citrus fruits is citric acid. This acid can erode tooth enamel over time. Other acids found in citrus fruits include ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and malic acid.
These acids contribute to the overall acidity of the fruit. The pH level of citrus fruits ranges from 2 to 3, which is quite acidic. For comparison, battery acid has a pH of 1, and water has a neutral pH of 7.
These acids come into direct contact with your teeth when you eat citrus fruits. Frequent exposure to such low pH levels can weaken and demineralize tooth enamel.
How Citrus Fruits Affect Tooth Enamel
When you eat citrus fruits, their acids coat your teeth. Acid erosion can make your teeth more prone to damage. Enamel loss is permanent. Once it wears away, it doesn’t grow back. Over time, repeated exposure to acids can thin the enamel and make teeth more susceptible to chips and cracks.
The acids in citrus fruits can also disrupt the natural balance of your mouth. Saliva helps neutralize acids and repair early signs of enamel damage. However, excessive acid exposure can overwhelm saliva’s protective effects. This imbalance can speed up enamel erosion and raise the chance of dental issues.
Signs of Enamel Erosion
You might not notice enamel erosion right away. Increased tooth sensitivity often happens when the enamel thins and exposes the dentin layer. This can make eating hot, cold, or sweet foods uncomfortable.
Discoloration happens because the enamel’s translucent nature allows the yellowish dentin to show through. Rounded teeth edges can indicate gradual enamel wear. Cracks and chips may appear more frequently as the enamel weakens. Regular dental check-ups can help identify and address enamel erosion early.
Preventing Enamel Erosion
You don’t have to give up citrus fruits. You can enjoy them and still protect your enamel. Rinsing your mouth with water helps wash away acids and reduce their contact with enamel. Waiting to brush allows saliva to neutralize acids and remineralize enamel. Brushing immediately after eating acidic foods can actually spread the acids and cause more damage.
Using a straw directs citrus juices away from your teeth, limiting acid exposure. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and repair enamel. Fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel by promoting remineralization and making it more resistant to acid attacks.
If you have weak tooth enamel, and maybe a cavity or two, request a visit by calling 903-623-8317 today. Tyler Family Dental is here for you and your family. We provide patient-centered care that you won’t find anywhere else.