Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Citric Acid and Tooth Enamel

My daily beverages of choice appear to be eroding my tooth enamel. My morning Diet Mountain Dew lists concentrated orange juice and citric acid as its second and third ingredients. My afternoon, evening, and bedtime Fresca lists citric acid and concentrated grapefruit juice as its second and third ingredients. Don't forget my freshly-squeezed lime margaritas! So, no, my dental hygienist, I don't suck on lemons but I might as well.

I can see the damage and it isn't pretty. Here are some suggestions to help decrease the erosion short of completely eliminating these favorites, although that is indeed the best choice:

1) Rinse one's mouth with water after drinking soda.
2) Only drink water at and during bedtime.
3) Drink soda with meals only to reduce exposure to teeth.
4) Drink soda through a straw, again to reduce direct contact with teeth.
5) Brush, brush, brush!

If you have other suggestions for protecting from tooth erosion, please post here. Thanks!

2 comments:

  1. Wow, I had no idea cirtic acid was so bad for your teeth! I guess sticking to water is best!

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  2. Neither did I! I'm looking for an actual scientific study if you know of one. Thanks for your comment.

    ReplyDelete