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Thirteen Acidic Fruits and How They Affect Your Teeth
We all enjoy fruits, sweet and juicy and full of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which is excellent for our teeth. Vitamin C toughens gums and maintains our teeth healthy. Yet, there are bitter fruits that erode our tooth enamel over time. Eating citrus fruits or acidic foods excessively erodes our enamel and causes sensitivity, stains, and cavities.
You don’t need to quit your favourite fruits. Knowing which fruits are more acidic enables you to eat them without damaging your teeth. Today, we discuss thirteen acidic fruits, their impact on your teeth, and what you can do to safeguard your enamel.
If you already suffer from sensitivity in your teeth or enamel wear, it is high time to book an appointment with our skilled dentist. Winning Smiles Dental Surgery is committed to helping you maintain your healthy smile without having to give up the fruits you enjoy!
Why Is a Fruit Acidic?
Fruit is acidic if it has a low pH value. That is, it has extremely high levels of natural acids such as citric acid or malic acid. Acidity gives flavour and freshness to the fruit. Acidity can also erode enamel in the long run and impact your teeth.
How Does It Impact Your Teeth?
Acidic foods wear down the outer coating of your teeth, called enamel. As the enamel erodes, your teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold. This also increases the risk of developing cavities.
Which Fruits Are the Most Acidic and Why?
The following is the list of popular acidic fruits and their acidity and FDA grades:
- Lemons
Lemons are highly acidic with a pH level of 2.00-2.60. The high acidity can wear away tooth enamel with repeated use over some time. Having lemons in moderate quantities and gargling with water after eating lemons can reduce the degree of enamel erosion. - Limes
Limes are also acidic with a pH level of 2.00-2.30. Their frequent consumption can ruin tooth enamel due to their acidity. Consumption of limes in moderation and then mouth-watering is required to save your teeth. - Grapefruits
Grapefruits contain ascorbic and citric acid with a pH value of 3.00-3.75. Their regular intake can cause erosion of the enamel in the long run. Taking them in moderation and mouth-watering can rescue them from potential damage. - Oranges
Oranges are pH 3.00-4.00 and wear down enamel at a slow rate with their excessive use. Although they are not as acidic as other citrus fruits, they will also cause harm to your enamel. It is advisable to limit their use to protect your teeth. - Pineapples
Pineapple has bromelain and citric acid with a pH range of 3.00-3.50. When consumed repeatedly, pineapple will likely wear away the enamel. It is possible to avoid this from occurring by consuming pineapple in small amounts and having good oral care. - Tamarinds
Tamarinds are pH 2.50-3.00, and their acidity can be damaging to tooth enamel.The astringent taste that they leave behind can wear away enamel if consumed regularly. Rinsing the mouth after consuming tamarind can minimise the loss of enamel. - Cranberries
Cranberries are extremely acidic, pH 2.30-2.50. They can cause enamel erosion if consumed regularly. Consume cranberries in moderation and brush your teeth to avoid damaging enamel. - Pomegranates
Pomegranates are around pH 3.00-3.50 and would have long-term effects on enamel if consumed daily. While less acidic than citruses, it’s still best to avoid consuming too much to avoid harming your teeth. - Kiwi
Malic and citric acid occur in kiwi and its pH is 3.00-3.20. It is slightly acidic and, in large amounts, can affect tooth enamel. Reducing the amount of kiwi and regular oral care can prevent loss of enamel. - Blueberries
Blueberries are weakly acidic with a pH level of approximately 3.10-3.30.Although less acidic than citrus fruits, consuming them in regular amounts over time can also erode enamel. Blueberries need to be consumed in moderation for oral health. - Cherries
Cherries are 3.00-3.20 pH value weakly acidic in nature. Though less acidic, even they will harden the enamel if consumed excessively. If consumed in moderate amounts, they will lower the chances of destroying your enamel. - Plums
Moderately acidic plums is a 2.90-3.50 pH value in nature. Consume plums every day and they will eventually lead to erosion of your enamel. One should wisely consume them in moderation to preserve their teeth. - Apples
Apples are malic acid and pH 3.00-3.50. Although less acidic than citrus fruits, large quantities can still erode enamel in the long run. Limiting the amount of apple consumption and rinsing the mouth after consumption will protect enamel.
Expert dentists and the ADA advise moderation in the consumption of acidic fruits.
What Is Dental Erosion?
Dental erosion is tooth enamel loss due to acid. The foods, beverages, or stomach acids produce the acids. Erosion will not make teeth hard as they get older but instead get brittle and vulnerable to cavities.
How Does Acid Erosion Weaken Tooth Enamel?
Acid erosion wears away your tooth enamel. Every time you eat acidic foods to drink, acids weaken the enamel, which is a surface layer on your teeth. It makes your teeth sensitive, stains them, and makes them vulnerable to future cavities.
What Are the Symptoms of Acid Erosion Due to Acidic Fruits?
- Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity to eating hot, cold, or sweet food. - Discolouration
Observe yellowish teeth since the enamel is thinning, revealing the dentin beneath. - Rough Edges
Feels rough or uneven due to enamel loss. - Increased Cavities
More susceptible to cavities and decay. - Shiny Spots
Develop glossy spots, which indicate the enamel is thinning. - Visible Cracks or Chips
Can cause cracks or chip teeth. - Changes in Shape
Look shorter or more rounded at the edges because the enamel is worn away.
How to Avoid Enamel Erosion?
- Limit Acidic Foods and Beverages
Reduce acidic fruits, sodas, and citrus beverages.Drink them with a straw to minimise contact. - Rinse After Consumption
Swish water in the mouth after eating or drinking acidic food or drink to neutralise the acid. - Wait Before Brushing
Wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic beverages before brushing teeth and minimise further loss of enamel. - Brush Gently
Brush softly with a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent loss of enamel. - Fluoride Toothpaste
Brush with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and guard against erosion. - Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum activates saliva, which neutralises acid and protects teeth. - Stay Hydrated
Drink water to flush out acids and keep your mouth moist. - Visit See Your Dentist Regularly
Regular visits to the dentist help catch early warning signs of tooth enamel wear and other conditions of the mouth.
Are There Other Forms of Vitamin C That Will Not Hurt Enamel?
10 Vitamin C-Rich Alternatives That Are Gentle on Your Teeth
- Strawberries
- Kiwis
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Papaya
- Mangoes
- Pineapple (in moderation)
- Guava
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
How Important Is Vitamin C in Our Teeth?
Vitamin C is necessary for healthy gums and teeth. It keeps your gums and strengthens the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It protects your gums from infection. Without vitamin C, you may experience gum issues or even lose some teeth. So, having enough vitamin C keeps your teeth and gums in line.
Conclusion
Acidic fruits taste great and are full of vitamins, but they can also destroy your enamel. Notice how frequently you eat these fruits and think about how you can keep your smile intact. Winning Smiles Dental Surgery is here to ensure that you have your healthiest, brightest smile. If you have concerns about how acidic fruits are impacting your teeth, call us today to schedule a consultation!
