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What Do Acidic Foods Do to Your Gums?
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Posted on 8/20/2018 by Todd Jorgenson |
According to a study by the Academy of General Dentistry, acidic foods and drinks are the number one contributors to tooth sensitivity.
The most common culprits are sports drinks, orange juice, and tomatoes. Acidic foods and drinks can also have an impact on your gums. The following are some of the reasons why you should pay attention to these foods.
Dental ErosionAcidic foods like cranberries, sport drinks, pickles, wine and tomato products such as ketchup, have acids that are strong enough to eat away the surface of the tooth. Acidic food accelerates the demineralization of the enamel which eventually exposes the inner part of the tooth, the dentin. When this happens, the teeth become sensitive to hot foods and drinks.
The exposed enamel allows the bacteria that have accumulated in your mouth to speed up the tooth decay process. Acidic foods lower the PH of the mouth from a neutral of 7. When the PH is below 5.5 the bacteria in the gums will work more effectively in producing acids that cause gum disease. These acids inflame the gums over time and can lead to pain, receding teeth and even gingivitis.
Minimizing the Impact of Acidic FoodsYou can minimize the impact that these foods have on your teeth by taking them with water and foods with a high PH. Take acidic foods and drinks with water to prevent demineralization and erosion of the enamel. You can also pair with alkaline foods.
Vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli can not only neutralize the effect of the acid, but also provide important nutrients that fight inflammation of the gums. Make a point of limiting foods and drinks such as wine, coffee and sweeteners, which can increase the PH of your gums.
Brushing your teeth and flossing after every meal is another effective way of preventing the impact that acidic foods have on your oral health. Call us today, for more information on maintaining your oral health.
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