Lemons are great for your health, and so is lemon water. That’s why a lot of people drink it, especially in the morning, in order to cleanse their digestive system, help with weight loss, and get that vitamin intake. Could lemon water have negative consequences as well? More precisely, is lemon water bad for teeth? This is what we’ll be answering in today’s guide, by focusing on what happens to your teeth when you drink lemon water.
Is Lemon Water Bad for Teeth?
#Why You Should Drink Lemon Water
Before getting into the effects lemon water has on your teeth, we’d like to underline the fact that lemon water comes with a lot of benefits. Drinking it can help you boost your immune system, strengthen your liver, improve your digestion, and of course, quench your thirst. The fact of the matter is, there are few things as refreshing as a glass of lemon water, especially on hot summer days. Lemons are also a great source of potassium. They keep your breath fresh, help prevent blemishes, reduce inflammation, provide energy, help you fight infections, and more.
Now, you may be wondering, with all these amazing benefits, how can lemon water be bad for your teeth?
#What Happens to Your Teeth When You Drink Lemon Water?
Lemons are highly acidic and – by extension – lemon juice is as well. That acid affects the outer covering of your teeth, which is called enamel. Enamel is what protects your teeth. Without it, they’re more sensitive and prone to dental issues such as cavities. In time, the acid will cause your teeth to become yellower. Eventually, your teeth could appear hollowed and they’ll need to be attended to by a dentist.
If your teeth are sensitive, especially when you eat or drink something cold, this is a sign of enamel erosion. Other signs are transparent tooth edges and tooth discoloration.
#Can You Still Drink Lemon Water and Keep Your Teeth Safe?
Yes, there are ways in which you can still get all those health benefits of lemon water without damaging the health of your teeth. While these are not 100 percent effective methods, they can at least help limit the amount of damage you do to your teeth.
First of all, if you’re used to drinking warm lemon water, you should know cold lemon water is less damaging to your teeth. Second, brushing teeth immediately after consuming lemon water can increase their sensitivity, so avoid doing that. Drinking with a straw can limit the amount of lemon water that touches your teeth, while lemon oil mixed with water is a great alternative to lemon juice.
The amount of lemon juice you add to the water you consume is also important. For instance, if you weight more than 150 lbs., you should use the juice of one lemon. You’re also free to use less, but more would be too much.
So, is lemon water bad for teeth? Yes, if you use a lot of lemon juice and don’t take the necessary precautions. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t drink it, as long as you keep in mind the tips above.
