Lemon juice is essentially just citric acid, so it's not surprising it's highly acidic. This acid erodes the enamel of the teeth, even if it is mixed with water. Enamel erosion can lead to sensitivity in your teeth, as when the enamel is eroded it exposes the underlying dentin and nerves.
Erosion is the loss of tooth enamel caused most commonly by an acid attack. Lemons are highly acidic and are referred to as citric acid. Over time, routine consumption of lemon juice washing over your teeth will cause the enamel to erode, eventually exposing the under layer called dentine.
It's a myth that you can safely whiten teeth with lemon juice and baking soda. Unlike toothpaste, baking soda is abrasive and will wear away your tooth enamel over time. Likewise, lemon juice is too acidic to sit on the surface of your teeth.
While high in beneficial vitamin C and antioxidants, citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, limes and lemons, are extremely acidic and can wear down the enamel of your teeth. It is best to limit your teeth's exposure to these foods — once the enamel is gone, it cannot be replaced.
Many fruits are high in acidity, including lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, grapes, and apples. The high sugar and acid content in soda makes it another huge contributor to enamel decay. Moderately acidic foods include pineapple, oranges, tomatoes, cottage cheese, maple syrup, yogurt, raisins, pickles, and honey.
Enamel erosion can be caused by the following: Having too many soft drinks, which have lots of phosphoric and citric acids. Bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar, and they make acids that can eat away at enamel. It gets worse if you don't clean your teeth regularly.
Try non-acidic foods: Certain foods are good for your enamel. Many types of fruits and vegetables, dairy products such as milk, and foods or drinks containing fluoride – notably spinach, grapes and black tea – will be useful to naturally restore enamel.
Brush your teeth before drinking the lemon water. Use the juice from a fresh lemon, rather than the concentrated, commercial lemon juices like Jif. Drink through a paper straw to minimise contact with your teeth's enamel. Drink it quickly, rather than sipping.
Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be brought back. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Although toothpastes and mouthwashes can never “rebuild” teeth, they can contribute to this remineralization process.
Following exposure to strong acids, you can help to neutralise the acid by: rinsing your mouth with water or a fluoride mouth rinse. rinsing your mouth with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mouth rinse (one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water)
One medium-sized, whole lemon contains just 24 calories and no fat. In addition to healthy doses of iron and potassium, lemons also supply significant amounts of fiber and vitamin C.
Lemon acidity can cause tooth erosion
Acidic foods and drinks like lemon water can cause enamel erosion. Tooth erosion is the loss of enamel, caused most commonly by high levels of acidity. When the enamel is worn away, it exposes the underlying dentin and may cause you to experience tooth sensitivity.
Absolutely. Because lemon juice contains acid frequent consumption can irritate gums and soften tooth enamel. Erosion of the enamel on your teeth can lead to sensitivity and tooth decay. In fact, enamel erosion is one of the most common causes of cavities and tooth loss.
Use a sipper
Sippers are almost as effective as straws when it comes to protecting your teeth from acidic drinks. Just make sure you take the sipper well inside your mouth and tilt your head back when you drink your flavored water. This prevents any chance of the drink coming in contact with your teeth.
As the enamel continues to erode, your teeth might turn a gray or yellowish color. If your teeth change shape, it's a good indicator that you have enamel damage. Your teeth may begin to appear rounded, develop ridges, and often the gaps between teeth will become more substantial.
It could be the result of an acidic diet, medication side reactions or just vigorous brushing. Dry mouth, low salivary flow, diet high in sugar and starches, bruxism and friction, acid reflux disease, gastrointestinal problems and even genetics could also be blamed for enamel erosion.
Enamel is the thin outer layer of material that covers the portion of your teeth outside of the gums. Poor diet habits, an unhealthy oral care routine, and other factors can weaken and damage your enamel. Once damaged, your tooth enamel cannot be repaired.
What happens if enamel is gone? Tooth enamel erosion exposes the inner layers of your teeth to open air and the foods and drinks you consume. This makes your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. In addition, tooth enamel loss can make your teeth more sensitive to heat, cold and sweets.
No surprises here — calcium is well known to be great for your teeth. Throughout the body, calcium helps build bones and provide structural support. In your mouth, this mineral helps harden your tooth enamel and strengthen your jawbone.
As the enamel erodes more, your teeth may appear grayish or yellow. Your teeth may begin to appear rounded, develop ridges, and often the gaps between teeth will become more substantial. Eventually, you may notice cracks in the teeth or experience loss of tooth material.
Despite the health benefits, drinking too much coffee can leave a lasting mark on your smile. In fact, research shows it can increase your risk of cavities because it's acidic, which can erode your enamel. As your enamel becomes thinner, it can also lead to tooth sensitivity.