Most people love eating fruits: they’re sweet, juicy, and can be a healthy source of high vitamin C. However, fruits and fruit drinks can be very acidic, and consuming highly acidic foods and drinks every day can harm teeth without the right aftercare. Eating acidic fruits — and other foods — can eventually cause tooth enamel to wear away, leading to issues like dental erosion and tooth sensitivity. By understanding acid’s effect on your teeth and caring for your dental health accordingly, you can continue enjoying the healthy foods you love.

What Is Acidity?

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, measuring the acidity or alkalinity of any substance. Substances below a pH of 7 are considered acidic, while those above 7 are alkaline. Your saliva should ideally stay close to the neutral range of 6.5 to 7.5 pH, which helps prevent acid erosion of your enamel and tooth decay.

Which Foods Are Most Acidic?

High-acid foods can contribute to decay, sensitivity, and discoloration. It’s crucial to consume these in moderation. Here are some highly acidic foods and drinks to be mindful of:

• Citrus Fruits: Lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, and oranges
• Other Fruits: Apples, grapes, peaches, pomegranates, blueberries, and pineapples
• Fruit Juices and Sodas: Both regular and diet varieties
• Tomatoes and Tomato Juice
• Jams and Jellies
• Vinegar
• Sauerkraut

To balance your diet, try including more non-acidic foods and beverages, such as:

• Beans: Black, soy, kidney, and lima
• Vegetables: Corn, peas, peppers, asparagus, spinach, and broccoli
• Fish: Salmon, shrimp, and crab meat
• Cheeses
• Bread
• Tofu
• Green Tea
• Potatoes, Rice, and Yams
• Melons: Watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydew
• Other Fruits: Ripe mangoes, bananas, and papayas

What Is Dental Erosion?

Despite its hardness, tooth enamel can weaken and demineralize over time due to the high acid content in many foods and drinks. While the calcium in saliva helps strengthen enamel, an overly acidic environment prevents remineralization, leading to dental erosion and decay. Common signs of erosion include:

• Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot and cold foods, strongly-flavored sweets, and even cold air.
• Discoloration: Teeth may appear slightly yellower as enamel thins, exposing the dentin underneath.
• Rounded Teeth: Softer or sanded edges and small dents along the chewing surface.
• Transparency: Edges of incisors (front teeth) may appear more transparent.
• Cracks: Tiny faults or sharpness along tooth edges.

Preventing Enamel Erosion

You don’t have to completely avoid acidic foods to protect your enamel. Here are some practical tips to keep your teeth healthy:

• Avoid Sucking on Lemons or Limes: Direct contact with your teeth can soften enamel.
• Use a Straw: When drinking acidic beverages like fruit juices, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
• Rinse Your Mouth: After consuming acidic foods, rinse with water to dilute the acids and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to allow your enamel time to resettle.
• Brush with Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen enamel.
• Eat Cheese After Fruit: Cheese can help neutralize acids and increase saliva production.

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for obtaining sufficient vitamin C. However, it’s also important to take steps to protect your teeth from acidic damage. By incorporating more non-acidic foods into your diet and following these tips, you can enjoy your favorite fruits while keeping your smile healthy. Be sure to brush and floss daily, and visit your Lombard dentist regularly to discuss enamel health and other strategies for maintaining a bright, healthy smile.

For personalized advice and to ensure your dental health remains on track, consult your dentist. They can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific needs and help you keep your teeth in optimal condition.