What does lemon juice do to your teeth?

What does lemon juice do to your teeth?

Researchers have shown that it is certainly possible that regular consumption of lemon juice can eat away at the outer enamel layer of the teeth. It goes without saying that lemon juice is extremely acidic in nature and it is particularly high on citric acid.

The outer enamel layer of our teeth is very much mineralized and the main mineral in our tooth enamel is known as hydroxyapatite. It is a crystal of substance and it is chiefly made up of calcium and phosphorus. The chemical composition of citric acid and calcium is such that at times these substances combine together to form calcium citrate. Experts from Chisel Dental Clinic say that this electrochemical fusion between citric acid and calcium is the chief reason that fruits with high citric acid concentration can wear down the tooth enamel. Maximum of the researchers on this matter have revealed that orange juice is also acidic in nature but it is not as acidic as lemon juice.

Experts explain that a lot of people feel that lemon is a natural bleaching agent and, therefore, they use it to whiten their teeth but it is a wrong practice as regular and frequent consumption of lemon can make your teeth permanently damaged after some time.

Yes, it is true that lemon water is good for digestive system and it has numerous other benefits as well but its effect on the teeth is a cause of concern. So to counter this problem a number of dentists and health experts have suggested it several times that the juice extracted from acidic fruits should be consumed with the help of a straw as it would ensure limited contact with the tooth enamel. Another way to save your teeth from acidic food items is to wash your mouth with plain water after eating them.