This innocent habit will ruin your teeth: Dentist warns of dreadful consequences
Photo: What habit can ruin your teeth (freepik.com)
Some healthy habits may not be as beneficial as they seem. What is intended to bring many benefits can also have harmful consequences in other areas.
Your innocent habit could be damaging your teeth, according to Strona Zdrowia.
What habit can ruin teeth
Lemon water has been breaking popularity records for several years. Its health benefits are praised by experts and health-conscious individuals.
Despite numerous advantages, it can negatively impact your teeth. Dentist Andrej Bozic has highlighted the danger associated with the high acidity of lemon water for dental health.
"Lemon juice has a pH level of about 2, which is very acidic. This acidity can damage the enamel on your teeth, which serves as a hard protective outer layer. Enamel erosion can lead to various dental problems, from increased sensitivity to cavities," he reported.
When enamel is worn away, teeth become more susceptible to decay and damage, Dr. Bozic cautioned.
Does damaged enamel hurt
Enamel is the first line of defense for teeth against harmful bacteria and substances. If this barrier is breached, the soft dentin underneath becomes exposed. This can lead to potential issues such as:
- Increased tooth sensitivity - especially noticeable with hot and cold foods and beverages
- Higher risk of cavities - reduced tooth protection makes them more vulnerable to decay
- Aesthetic problems - enamel damage can result in changes in tooth color and yellowing.
How to make lemon water less harmful
Using a straw can reduce the contact of acidic lemon water with your teeth, helping to prevent enamel erosion, advises Dr. Bozic.
It can also be helpful to rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acidity and wash away residues. Additionally, it's best to limit consumption of lemon water to one glass per day.
"Consider less acidic alternatives, such as adding cucumber or mint to your water, which refresh and have a gentler impact on your teeth," the expert adds.
The dentist also advises avoiding brushing your teeth immediately after consuming lemon water and waiting at least 30 minutes for the enamel to reharden, as well as using fluoride toothpaste for brushing.
Read also about how long you can go without a dental crown and whether you can eat.
And we've also previously written that a dentist identified the main mistake everyone makes when brushing their teeth.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
