If your tooth enamel is weak, it’s most likely due to the consumption of highly acidic foods. While these foods may be yummy, limiting your consumption of them can improve your oral health. Parkcrest Dental lists a few common foods that are high in acidity that you should try to avoid.
What Is A Normal Amount Of Acidity?
Measuring the acidity of a drink or food is quite simple. Litmus solution or litmus papers are typically used to measure how acidic a substance is. When you stick a piece of litmus paper in a glass of water, the color the paper turns determines its acidity. Usually, a chart with the color code is provided with the paper.
A normal pH level for water would be around pH 7, which is neutral. Anything more than seven would be considered a basic or alkaline solution. Bleach would be extreme at a pH level of 14. Anything lower than pH 7 is considered an acid. A pH level of 1 would be a solution similar to battery acid.
You generally want to stick around the neutral range when it comes to pH levels, but not all foods are going to stay at this range. Below is a list of foods with high levels of acidity.
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Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits contain high amounts of citric acid. While a morning grapefruit or squeeze of lemon in your water can make your water taste good, large amounts may not be the best for your enamel. These foods can damage your tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Make sure to drink plenty of water after eating to wash away any lingering acids.
Soda
Soda is a hard drink to resist since it comes in many flavors. However, it contains high sugar content and acidity. High levels of sugar produce plaque that can attach itself to your teeth. Over time, your teeth can feel the effects of tooth decay as your enamel slowly erodes away. Consider limiting the amount of soda you drink each day. You can also use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Straws lead the soda away down your throat, avoiding contact with your teeth.
Sour Candies
One of the most harmful foods for your teeth is sour candies. Not only do they stick to your teeth, but they can damage and wear away your enamel quickly. Sour candies like War Heads are at an alarming 1.6 pH level, only .6 away from being similar to battery acid. After eating several sour candies, you may want to brush your teeth right away, but don’t! Your enamel is quite sensitive after consuming all that sugar, so wait just 30 minutes to an hour before brushing or rinsing with mouthwash.
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Wine
Although enamel is the hardest tissue in the body, it is extremely susceptible to erosion caused by acids, a primary component in all wines. While your dentist can’t stop you from drinking wine, they encourage you to drink water after your wine. Swishing water in your mouth will balance the pH levels as well as stimulate saliva flow. This is critical in fighting off harmful bacteria that can get stuck on your teeth.
Tame Your Sugar Habits With Parkcrest Dental
If you’re having a hard time limiting your sugar consumption, head over to Parkcrest Dental Group in Springfield, MO. We’d be happy to show you all the tips and tricks we know to help you conquer your sugar habits. Call us today at 417-887-1220.
