Lemon Water and Dental Health

By Jill Feilmeier on July 9, 2019 in Healthy Living

There’s nothing better than a tall glass of water when you’re thirsty. A little flavor in our water helps makes it tastier, so adding a slice of lemon can make your glass of water even more inviting. But, have you ever stopped to wonder about the impact of lemon juice on your teeth?

Lemon juice, like many fruit juices, is acidic. This means when we drink it, it can cause enamel erosion on our teeth. In fact, lemon juice has a pH level of 2-3 which means it is causing harm to our teeth because liquids with a pH level under four have been proven to negatively impact our dental health.

You may believe that quickly brushing your pearly whites after sipping on some fruity water will help limit any lasting impact, but it can actually make the situation worse! 

Once your enamel has been weakened by acidic substances like lemon juice, it needs time to recover. This means you should wait at least 30 minutes after drinking or eating acidic drink or food to prevent brushing your enamel away accidentally. Without healthy and strong enamel protecting your teeth, they’re more prone to decay or getting cavities.

Still want your lemon water without damaging your teeth? Here are a few suggestions:

Limit the amount you drink 

Instead of putting lemon in your water as a standard practice, make it more of a special occasion. The less regular exposure to acid, the stronger your teeth will remain.

Use a straw

 Straws are taking a lot of heat because of their impact on the environment. But, using a straw can help make sure your lemon water goes down with minimal contact with your teeth. Consider investing in your own reusable straw, so you can protect your teeth and the environment.

Rinse your mouth with water

 A glass of regular water is probably not the first thing you’d reach for after a glass of lemon water, but you should. It washes away the acid that’s left hanging onto your teeth. 

Brush and floss regularly

 The best way to keep our teeth healthy is to make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once per day. This will ensure that there’s nothing left on your teeth to cause problems. Just make sure to give your teeth at least 30 minutes to recover after drinking sodas, fruit juices, and any other acidic beverages.

Learn more about having a healthy mouth on our blog! | Need to find a dentist? Use our handy search tool.