Tooth enamel is the semi-translucent hard outer protective layer that surrounds the tooth. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body and is almost entirely composed of calcium salts, according to the website DentalFind.com. Tooth enamel can be weakened by consuming acidic foods and beverages, inadequate fluoride or reduced saliva. Signs of enamel deterioration may include yellow discoloration and tooth pitting. Enamel erosion can also cause tooth sensitivity when the damaged outer layer of the tooth has eroded to the point that it can no longer provide a barrier between the tooth and the nerves. In order to protect tooth enamel, it is important to limit or avoid acidic foods and beverages.
Lemons
Lemons are acidic foods that can erode tooth enamel, according to the website Dental Health Directory. Lemons contain a large amount of citric acid, which can dissolve the calcium salts that make up the surface of the tooth, cause plaque formation and encourage tooth erosion. In addition, fruit juices can cause more acid erosion then citric fruits because the skins and membranes of these fruits are missing. Fruit skins and membranes prevent acid from coating the teeth and causing decay. Other acidic fruits that affect tooth enamel are limes, grapefruits, oranges, pineapples, peaches, cranberries and pomegranate. Eating cheese or drinking milk immediately after ingesting citric fruits can help you balance acid levels in the mouth and prevent tooth enamel erosion.
Sour and Sticky Candy
Snacking on sour and sticky candy can cause tooth enamel decay, according to the television station KTTC in Minnesota. Sour candy such as Sour Skittles and Atomic Warheads obtain their sour flavor from natural or synthetic fruit acids. Sucking on sour candy for an extended amount of time can coat the teeth with acid and cause enamel to decay. In addition, sticky candies such as gum or candy chews can leave behind sugar particles in the mouth, which encourages a bacterial invasion. According to MayoClinic.com, sour candies should be avoided because they are simple carbohydrates that provide no nutritional benefits.
Sodas
If you drink a lot of sodas you may be at risk for tooth enamel erosion. Prolonged exposure to sodas can lead to significant enamel loss, according to the website Live Science. Both regular and diet sodas harm tooth enamel because they contain a large amount of citric acid and/or phosphoric acid, which can coat your tooth, invite a bacterial invasion and trigger tooth decay. According to the website Live Science, the possibility of tooth erosion due to colas is 10 times greater then erosion caused by fruit juices. To be on the safe side, avoid all sodas, but if you must drink soda try root beer. Root beer has the least amount of acid associated with it because it is usually non-carbonated and it does not contain citric acid and phosphoric acid.
References
- Dental Health Directory: Adverse Effects of Lemon Sucking on Tooth Enamel
- MayoClinic.com: Dental Enamel: Ways to Give it a Boost
- 1-800-Dentist: Lemon Juice May Squeeze Away Important Tooth Enamel
- KTTC.com: Dentists Warn of Link between Sour Candy and Tooth Damage
- Live Science: Acids in Popular Sodas Erode Tooth Enamel
- DentalFind.com: Tooth Enamel
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