Many of our patients like to drink hot lemon water first thing in the morning to help cleanse and detoxify the digestive system. But did you know that it can damage your teeth?
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Lemon acidity can cause enamel erosion. When the enamel is worn away, the underlying dentin is exposed, possibly causing tooth sensitivity. As the enamel becomes thinner, the yellower dentin underneath becomes more visible.
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Unfortunately, dental erosion is irreversible, meaning that your enamel won’t grow back. When teeth whitening is done, the active ingredient primarily works on the enamel. So if you want white, healthy teeth, preservation of the enamel layer and prevention of acid erosion is key.
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So how can I drink lemon water without ruining my teeth?
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🍋 Use cold or room temperature water. The rate of chemical reaction increases with temperature so erosion will be more severe with hot lemon water.
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🍋 After drinking lemon water, rinse your mouth with water right away. This removes any acid remaining on tooth surfaces and reduces the acidity of the saliva.
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🍋 DO NOT brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after drinking lemon water. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste and do not brush aggressively. The enamel is the softest immediately after the acid attack. Letting saliva work for 30 minutes as a buffer in the mouth will allow you to safely brush again.
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