Beware of an Acidic Diet

A person filling a cup with soda highlighting the dangers of an acidic diet.

Most people don’t think of a tooth as a body part that fluctuates in strength. At Salt Lake Dental Care, we understand that our teeth seem to have a steady hardness and dependably grind food whenever we need them. However, teeth are dynamic organisms with continual chemical processes.

Tooth Enamel Varies in Strength

The protective enamel that covers the softer interior is composed of minerals. Enamel demineralizes (loses some of its density) when it comes in contact with acids.

Saliva can dilute and neutralize acid so the tooth can re-harden. This process isn’t instantaneous, however.

Enamel Erosion

While the enamel is soft, the tooth is exposed to losing a microscopic outer layer of enamel. If the erosion continues, the much softer dentin is exposed. The dentin erodes more quickly. Eventually, the tooth may need to be extracted.

Understand Which Foods are Acidic

It is apparent that the normal diet is becoming more acidic. The list of acidic foods may surprise you. They include eggs, gravy, asparagus, chicken, cottage cheese, honey, fish, ham, butter, sour cream, aged cheese, and yogurt with active cultures. Generally, foods with a high sugar or artificial sweetener content are considerably acidic. We don’t recommend eliminating the healthy foods on this list. However, we just want you to be aware of the issue.

Is Your Go-To Beverage Affecting Your Teeth?

Now let’s talk about beverages. You probably already know that soda pop and wine are not good for your teeth. Teens who sip soda all day can have acid erosion while their young teeth should be at their densest. In addition to soda, energy drinks are very popular and dentists are noticing the effects.

If you drink soda or energy drinks often, you may want to drink water or chew sugarless gum after downing a can. Increasing saliva production can spark the remineralization process.

If your teeth have become more sensitive in general, or in response to hot or cold foods or liquids, you may have acid erosion. To schedule an examination with Clint Blackwood at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, call us today.

We are located at 279 E 5900 S Ste 202 in Murray. We hope you have benefited from this post and look forward to your visit.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

 

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