Highland Park (847) 432-1111 2685 Waukegan Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035
Northbrook (847) 498-4415 450 Skokie Blvd. 101, Northbrook, IL 60062
Mundelein (847) 566-5100 444 N Prospect Ave, Mundelein, IL 60060
Schedule
an appointmentclick here
Schedule
an appointmentclick here

How Acidic Foods Affect Your Teeth

When it comes to the acidic erosion of our teeth because of what we eat and drink, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is that up to 80 percent of adults are at risk of the loss of tooth enamel because of the acidic food and drinks they consume.

So, what’s the good news? The good news is that you do not have to make drastic changes in your diet to protect your teeth. You simply need to be more mindful about what you’re consuming by making healthy choices and limiting, or possibly avoiding, the unhealthy ones.

A sugar cube, a red solo cup with soda, and a piece of chocolate cake surround a cartoon drawing of a tooth.

Acidity and Your Teeth

Over time, the foods and beverages we consume on a daily basis can wear the enamel on our teeth, a process that is known as acid erosion. The enamel is the outermost layer of our teeth, and its basic function is to protect the more sensitive areas of our teeth while keeping them white and bright. As the enamel wears away, it leaves the dentin (the inner yellow layer) exposed, leading to tooth sensitivity.

To measure how acidic certain foods or drinks might be, health professionals use a pH scale to measure the acidity or alkalinity levels of substances. The scale of pH levels ranges between 0 and 14. Substances that fall below 7 are considered acidic, while those above are considered alkaline.

Dental Erosion

Saliva plays a very important role in protecting your teeth. When you’re not eating or drinking, the saliva in your mouth should be in the range of 6.6 to 7.5, a level that allows the calcium in the saliva to strengthen the enamel in a process known as remineralization. When your mouth becomes too acidic, however, remineralization cannot occur, and that leads to dental erosion. Some of the common signs of dental erosion include:

  • Sensitivity – Your teeth become highly sensitive to hot and cold foods, sweets that are strongly flavored, and even cold air.
  • Discoloration – As the enamel wears away, the dentin is exposed, giving your teeth a yellowish tint.
  • Dents – Your teeth may have small dents along the chewing surface.
  • Transparency – Your front teeth begin looking almost transparent.
  • Cracks – Tiny cracks or faults may appear along the edges of the teeth.

The Most Acidic Foods and Drinks

Here are a few of the more acidic beverages and foods to be wary of, including:

  • Citrus fruits and juices – Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are loaded with vitamin C that’s good for you, but they also contain very high amounts of acid that can wear away enamel.
  • Berries – They’re not as acidic as citrus fruits, but the acid in them can weaken your enamel.
  • Tomatoes – Though nutritious, tomatoes and tomato sauces and ketchup are high in acid content.
  • Some dairy products – Because of fermentation, some dairy products like yogurt, sour cream, and aged cheeses are considered high-acid foods.

Protecting Against Dental Erosion

Now, back to our original piece of good news. You don’t have to make drastic changes in your diet to protect the enamel on your teeth and prevent dental erosion. You simply have to use good judgment and take a few steps to keep your teeth strong, white, and gleaming.

  • Never suck on citrus fruit like lemons and limes as this is a sure way to soften the enamel on your teeth.
  • When drinking fruit juices, use a straw to prevent the juice from coming into direct contact with your teeth.
  • Sip and swallow fruit juices. Do not swirl them around or let them sit in your mouth for too long.
  • After eating any acidic foods, try to rinse your mouth with water. And don’t brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes, allowing the enamel to resettle.

Teeth Cleaning Services In Mundelein, Il – North Suburban Dental

At North Suburban Dental, we want you to protect your health by consuming a nutritious, well-balanced diet. You can also protect your dental health through daily brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental cleanings and exams.

Our dental practice offers a full range of dental services, beginning with general dental care that includes routine checkups, cleanings, and x-rays. We encourage you to contact one of our dental offices – in Highland Park, Northbrook, or Mundelein – to schedule your next appointment today.

Back to News

Amenities
Parking Spaces

Convenient Parking

Bus Routes

Bus stops near by

Accessibility

Accessibility parking

Questions? Contact Us Today