Did you know that the pH of our saliva drops when we eat acidic food? It’s probably not something you think about regularly, yet can have a rather large impact on your oral health. Much like the rest of your body, your mouth also needs balanced pH levels for optimal health. As a result of acidic foods lowering the pH of your saliva, your oral health is likely to diminish as well, as a result of the unbalanced pH breaking down your tooth enamel.

What is the Importance of Tooth Enamel?

Teeth serve many functions, but one of the most important is to protect the inside of your mouth from being damaged by food. Tooth enamel is a protective layer that is constantly worn down by acidic foods, drinks, and other substances. It is vital to care for your teeth to ensure the enamel isn’t demineralised, and so you can still enjoy food without discomfort.

The Effect Of Acidic Foods On Tooth Enamel

A lot of people are unaware of just how much acidic foods, such as soda and fruit juice, can affect their tooth enamel. Acidic foods cause acid erosion, which is a condition where the acid eats away at the protective layer of enamel on a tooth.

Eating acidic foods will lead to further medical problems such as tooth decay and obesity. Eating acidic foods can lead to the formation of cavities and dental erosion over time, having detrimental effects on your teeth. That's why it is a good idea to avoid them and instead, opt for less acidic or non-acidic foods.

Acidic Foods to Avoid

All acid-based foods are harmful to the enamel, including sodays, soy sauce and even healthy fruits like oranges. To reduce the risk of eroding the enamel on your teeth, a great tip is to brush soon after drinking acidic foods. Keep in mind that brushing after the acidity dissipates may not be as effective as it has likely already done its damage.

The enamel is not the only part of the tooth that is affected by acidic foods, they can also break down the tooth itself. Whether you're drinking a soda or eating a piece of fruit, acidic foods are harmful in many ways to your oral health and it is best to consume them in moderation.

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