What Citric Acid Does To Your Teeth

That sharp, sweet taste of citrus may be refreshing -- but it could have a damaging effect on your teeth. Acids can erode the protective dental coating. Over time, this can lead to serious tooth decay, and more unwelcome trips to the dentist. Acid erosion also causes discoloration and loosening of the teeth. Drinking too much fruit juice or eating citrus fruits can lead to dental problems.

Erosion

Healthy teeth are coated with a hard enamel layer that protects the softer inner tooth and the roots that lead into the gum. However, acids can eat through this enamel. When you eat sugary foods, you also feed mouth bacteria, which in turn creates acid. Eating citrus fruits means you're hitting your teeth with both the acids formed from bacteria and citric acid found in the fruit. And, as your teeth erode, you may experience painful root and nerve damage.

Citric Acid

Of all common food acids, citric acid causes the worst damage to your teeth, according to Larry D. Jones, M.P.H. writing on the City of Independence, Missouri, website. Citric acid has a pH of around 2.0, depending on the juice and type of fruit. That's similar to stomach acid -- something that can digest food. Citric acid will start cavities in sensitive areas of your lower teeth, or make existing cavities get worse a lot faster.

Study

In a 2009 study at the New York University College of Dentistry, scientists tested the effects of citric acid juices on cow teeth -- made of similar material to human teeth. Researchers soaked the teeth in citric acid-rich sports drinks for 90 minutes. The acid helped the drink to seep into the softer tissue underneath the enamel, weakening the teeth overall. Citric acid likely produces a similar effect in your mouth if you drink fruit juices or eat citrus fruit regularly throughout the day.

Brushing

Citric acid may also make your teeth vulnerable to brushing directly after exposure to the acid. Instead of staying hard and protective, the enamel may become slightly softened by the acid, making it more likely to suffer damage from vigorous brushing. Instead of brushing your teeth after eating an orange, try chewing on a raw carrot. High-fiber foods help clean your teeth and even massage the gums. Also, chewing helps stimulate saliva production. Saliva neutralizes the harmful acids attacking your tooth enamel.