Lemon water is praised for its refreshing flavor and purifying qualities, but it may not be as safe as it first appears. Because lemons are so acidic, teeth enamel may become softer when exposed to acidic foods and drinks.
Lemon water causes erosive damage of tooth enamel due to its acidic nature.Dr. Shubhra Raghav, Senior Consultant, Moradabad, India
Reasons for drinking Lemon water:
Vitamin C is necessary for a strong immune system, and is abundant in lemon water. One lemon can supply a substantial amount of the vitamin C you need each day, which will help you stay healthy and prevent infections.
By promoting the formation of bile, which is essential for breaking down food in your stomach, lemon water can help with digestion. Drinking a glass of lemon water first thing in the morning helps many people keep their digestion going and keep things moving smoothly.
Meeting your hydration goals is made easier with lemon water, which is a terrific way to keep hydrated and give your regular water intake a natural flavor boost. Therefore, even taking care of your enamel is crucial.
The loss of tooth enamel, known as erosion, is typically brought on by an acid attack. Citric acid is the term used to describe the strong acidity of lemons. The enamel on your teeth will gradually disintegrate if you regularly wash them with lemon juice, exposing the dentin underneath.
In order to determine if adults in southern China are aware of the causes of tooth erosion, studies were also conducted on their eating habits and awareness of the condition.[1]
Research has been done on citrus fruit liquids other than lemon, such as orange juice, which has a lower proportion of citric acid. The orange juice considerably lowered the enamel's surface hardness. According to the study, consumers should be mindful of the erosive potential of acidic beverages. [2]
When MedBound Times connected with Dr. Shubhra Raghav, MDS, Public Health Dentistry, a senior consultant in Moradabad, India, said lemon water affects the tooth enamel, thereby causing erosive damage due to its acidic nature. It disrupts the pH of the oral cavity.
Tips to enjoy lemon water safely and prevent erosion of teeth:
Use a Straw: By preventing direct contact with your teeth, drinking lemon water through a straw helps lessen the chance of tooth erosion.
Dilute it extra: You can lessen the overall acidity of your lemon juice by adding extra water.
Rinse with Plain Water: To assist remove any remaining acids, rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking lemon water.
Eat in Moderation: To reduce prolonged exposure, drink lemon water infrequently rather than all day long.
References:
1. Chu CH, Pang KK, Lo EC. Dietary behavior and knowledge of dental erosion among Chinese adults. BMC Oral Health. 2010 Jun 3;10:13. doi: 10.1186/1472-6831-10-13. PMID: 20525244; PMCID: PMC2894740.
2. Wongkhantee S, Patanapiradej V, Maneenut C, Tantbirojn D. Effect of acidic food and drinks on surface hardness of enamel, dentine, and tooth-coloured filling materials. J Dent. 2006 Mar;34(3):214-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2005.06.003. Epub 2005 Aug 8. PMID: 16087287.
SSK