The phrase “you are what you eat” is not meant to be taken literally. Eating a cupcake does not make you a cupcake any more than eating a string bean makes you a string bean. That said, eating a diet laden with sugars and fats will certainly affect your health in different ways than eating a diet high in fruits and veggies, just for example. There is a strong correlation between nutrition and health.
What you may not realize is just how much the foods and beverages you consume could affect your teeth. Sugar is particularly nasty because it clings to teeth, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. While acidic substances don’t have the same sticky properties, they can be harmful to your teeth in different ways, and you should be aware of the damage they can cause.
What do acidic foods and beverages do to your teeth, and how can you avoid the harm associated with them? Here’s what you need to know.
Acid Damage
When acids in foods and beverages come into contact with your teeth, they attack the enamel directly, unlike sugar, which tends to cause damage because it lingers and feeds bacteria. Acids leach away the calcium that makes your teeth strong and erodes the hard enamel shell that protects teeth from bacteria, infection, and ultimately, decay. In other words, you want to avoid exposure to acid as much as possible in order to prevent erosion and subsequent harm.
Know What You’re Eating
One of the best ways to avoid acid erosion is to understand where it’s coming from. Some foods, like citrus fruits, are well-known sources of acid. However, you might not realize that acids could be lurking in your soda, pasta sauce, pickles, salad dressing, coffee, and many other foods and beverages. If you want to avoid the damage these foods can cause, it’s best to take the time to learn which foods are most harmful so that you can cut back.
Hedge Your Bets
It’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to give up on some of your favorite foods and beverages, even if they are acidic. In this case, you should learn how to combat the ill effects. For beverages, try drinking with a straw to limit contact with teeth. Don’t suck on limes or other citrus fruits. Get plenty of calcium in your diet to keep teeth healthy and strong. And of course, make sure to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash after every meal, and visit your dentist regularly to maintain the best possible oral health.
