Beware of an Acidic Diet

Can an Acidic Diet Harm Your Teeth?

At Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, we believe it can. Most people don’t think of a tooth as a body part that fluctuates in strength. Our teeth seem to have a steady hardness and dependably grind food whenever we need them. However, teeth are dynamic organisms with uninterrupted chemical processes.

Tooth Enamel Varies in Strength

The protective enamel that covers the softer interior consists 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 susceptible 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 typical 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 highly 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 healthiest. In addition to soda, energy drinks are very popular and dentists are noticing the consequences.

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 drinks, you may have acid erosion. To schedule an examination with Trey Carico at Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, call 423-756-1540 today.

We are located at 830 Cherokee Blvd, Chattanooga, TN in Chattanooga. We hope you have benefited from this post and look forward to your visit.

 

Contact Chattanooga Center for Comprehensive Dentistry:

423-756-1540

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

830 Cherokee Blvd, Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, Tennessee
37405