What Are Dietary Acids? Are They Bad For My Teeth?
Posted on 5/15/2024 by Esthetic Smiles
Dietary acids help give fruits and vegetables some of their punch, and they are wonderful for flavorful dishes. However, dietary acids, if you eat too much of them, can be bad for your teeth. Here is some information about what dietary acids are and how you can make sure your teeth are not affected by dietary acids.
What Are Dietary Acids?
Dietary acids are natural acids found in many foods, especially citrus fruits and tomatoes. They are an essential part of your diet; however, too much dietary acid can also contribute to dental erosion. The older you are, the more likely you are to lose tooth enamel, which coats your teeth and protects them from cavities.
These acids are beneficial for your health. First, it helps rid your kidneys of the calcium crystals that can cause kidney stones. Also, the vitamin C in citric acid is an anti-inflammatory, which means it helps reduce the levels of inflammation in your body. It helps to increase your blood flow as well, which benefits your gums and your overall health. Citric acid also helps fight bacteria, which is why it is perfect for your dental health.
How Much Dietary Acid Is Too Much?
While citric acid in moderation is great for teeth and gums, it can also have drawbacks. In high concentrations, citric acids cause skin irritation and light sensitivity. Also, it works on tooth enamel to erode it, much like the acids in bacteria erode your teeth. When your enamel begins to erode, your teeth are more prone to tooth decay.
If you want to continue eating dietary acid, be sure to eat your fruits and veggies whole rather than in juice. Citric acid is more concentrated in juice than in whole fruits and vegetables. Once you have finished eating your fruit snack, you can reduce the level of citric acid in your teeth by rinsing your mouth with water. Brush your teeth after eating food that contains citric acid.
Not sure if you are getting enough citric acid in your diet, or think you might have too much? We can help. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment with our dentist.
Esthetic Smiles - Dr. John Abajian, DDS, 1901 N. Solar Dr. Suite 135, Oxnard, CA 93036; 805-365-4222; myestheticsmile.com; 9/3/2024; Related Phrases: dentist Oxnard CA;
Dietary acids help give fruits and vegetables some of their punch, and they are wonderful for flavorful dishes. However, dietary acids, if you eat too much of them, can be bad for your teeth. Here is some information about what dietary acids are and how you can make sure your teeth are not affected by dietary acids.