When most of us think of acid, we can’t help but think of something noxious and dangerous. After all, we all grew up watching movies in which the villains made use of concentrated acids in all kinds of nefarious ways. However, the reality is much different. Acids exist everywhere in nature, but most are not strong enough to be dangerous.
However, just because they don’t burn your flesh off doesn’t necessarily mean that they are good for you. The sensitive enamel that covers your teeth is the main thing that protects them from rotting. Over time, acidic food and drink can and will erode this layer of enamel and lead to serious subsequent tooth decay.
Lemon and Other Citrus
The juice of these two citrus fruits may be loaded with vitamin C, but that is actually part of the problem. Vitamin C, while very healthy, is still an acid (ascorbic acid, to be exact). Between that and the high amount of citric acid that these fruits also contain, these fruits are mostly composed of acidic substances. In most foods, this is not a problem because the vitamin C is not concentrated enough. If you use either of these as a vitamin C supplement, consider using something a little less harsh or watering it down heavily.
Sour Candy
This one probably won’t surprise anyone. Sour candy is a problem for the same reason that lemons and limes can be a problem. Have you ever wondered what makes it so sour? In most cases, the answer is citric acid. This is the same substance that can make lemon juice dangerous to the teeth, except that in this case it has been concentrated more heavily. In short, you get the same risk to your teeth without any of the health benefits of vitamin C.
Pickles
While this one may not spring to mind for most people, it is a fact that pickles are one of the most acidic foods that you can get! They are so acidic that they can soften the enamel of your teeth very quickly. Some dentists recommend that you avoid brushing for an hour after eating pickles because the softened enamel can be worn off by a toothbrush.
If you are a dental professional, it is of the utmost importance that you advise your patients to avoid the problem foods. While a small amount may not have a deleterious effect upon the teeth, the smart thing is to avoid them altogether. Besides, any realistic medical professional understands that there is a limit to just how far a patient will be willing to follow your instructions. Outside of a hospital setting, it is very hard to control a patient’s behavior on a day to day basis. If you ever happen to need the advice of a solid dental consultant, I would recommend Karl Jobst. Because of Karl Jobst Grove OK is one of the best places to go for dental service, and likewise because of Karl Jobst Grove OK is also a great place to go for consulting services that will help you streamline your business.
If you are not a dental professional, You would do well to cut these foods out of your diet altogether or at least reduce your consumption. It may be tempting to “cheat” and eat them occasionally, but you can often reduce your cravings by thinking about the intense pain associated with a toothache.