Impact of diet on acidity
Impact of diet on acidity
We might be inclined to think of the many chemicals we saw in glass bottles during science class at school when we hear the word "acid." Or perhaps we imagine it to be the source of indigestion and heartburn. However, acids also have a significant impact on the condition of our teeth.
While the majority of the items in our diet are normally low in acidity , there are some that are high enough in acid to be problematic. Foods and beverages with a high acid content can seriously damage our enamel and are the root cause of dental erosion.
Effects of acid on our mouth
Acid harms our teeth because it erodes their enamel, making them more susceptible to injury. The enamel on our teeth temporarily softens and loses some of its mineral composition every time we consume anything acidic .
Our saliva will gradually neutralise this acidity and restore the pH equilibrium in our mouth. Our mouth does not have a chance to heal if this acid attack occurs too frequently. We could gradually lose our enamel as a result of this.
Our teeth's enamel, which is a hard, protective layer, shields the delicate dentine underneath from damage. The dentine that lies behind the enamel is exposed as it is worn away, which could cause discomfort and sensitivity.
The three types of acids that are most frequently found in our food and beverages are carbonic, citric, and phosphoric acids. These are the acids that erode our teeth's enamel and weaken it.
The two Fs—Fizz and Fruit—are the primary offenders when it comes to acidic meals and beverages.
Fizz
A drink's "fizziness" is frequently a dead giveaway that it is acidic. The most popular of them are carbonated beverages, sodas, pops, and fizzy drinks. It's crucial to keep in mind that dangerous ingredients still exist in "diet" brands. Even flavour-infused sparkling waters might cause problems if consumed in big quantities because they contain weak acids that can damage our teeth.
Some alcohol also contains acid. Alcoholic beverages like beer, cider, Prosecco, white wine, and alcopops are all quite damaging to our teeth.
The chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, thinks that the best approach for us to prevent the harm that fizzy drinks cause is to simply limit our exposure to them. The quantity of acid attack on our mouths can be greatly reduced by just drinking acidic beverages at mealtimes .
"Another recommendation is to swiftly swallow our beverage, without holding it in our mouth or "swishing" it. Once more, the key is to cut down on the time our teeth are exposed to acid. Using a straw is an alternative. Drinks are helped to reach the rear of our mouths in this way, avoiding prolonged contact with the teeth.
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Fruit
Fruit is a crucial component of a balanced, nutritious diet. Citric acid, which is present in many fruits but can promote dental attrition,
?Fruits are the worst culprits. These are acidic because they have low pH values. Lemons, limes, plums, grapes, grapefruits, and blueberries are the acidic fruits. Acid content is also high in tomatoes, peaches, oranges, and pineapple.
Since they are so nutrient-dense and essential to our bodies, it would be a mistake to cut them out of our diet. There are a few things we can do to lessen the damage fruits make to our teeth.
More hints and guidance
Having sensitive teeth is frequently the first symptom of dental erosion. If this occurs, we ought to visit the dentist. The dental staff investigates the cause of the sensitivity during an examination. To assist alleviate the discomfort, they will use specialised "de-sensitizing" solutions on the impacted teeth. Fluoride gels, rinses, and varnishes may be used for this.
The signs of dental erosion can also be treated at home while waiting for an appointment.
Dr. Dattani continues, "There are various toothpaste brands on the market that can remineralize softened enamel following an acid assault. While we brush our teeth, some toothpastes, including Sensodyne Pronamel, work to re-harden and protect our tooth enamel. Fluoride, which is crucial for preventing tooth decay, is also present in this toothpaste. Two minutes should be spent brushing your teeth each time.
The dentist will be able to recommend the type of toothpaste that is ideal for us when we next visit them.
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