Does Lemon Water Hurt Your Teeth?

Lemon water is a popular beverage choice amongst dieters and those that prefer a more flavorful water beverage. Lemons are highly acidic, and possibly one of the most acidic fruits available. Many individuals fear that lemon water will damage their teeth when drinking it frequently. But is this fact or fiction?

Like mostly all fruit, lemons have an acid content that is made up of fruit acids. They also contain a great deal of vitamin C. Lemon is usually squirted into water to give it a zesty flavor and help curb cravings for junk food throughout the day.

The bottom line is that lemon water will hurt your teeth. Before you freak out and banish lemon from your life, you must remember a few different things. Soda is bad for your teeth. It is the worst thing you can consume if you care about your enamel and the whiteness of your precious teeth. Artificially colored beverages, alcoholic drinks, and even sugary juices are also awful for your teeth. These beverages not only harm your mouth, but they also promote growth of bacteria and can stain your teeth permanently.

On the other hand, lemon water is pure fresh water. Lemon is an antibiotic and can kill bacteria in the mouth. It acts as a natural whitener and kills bacteria that can cause cavities and bad breath. Consider lemon water a drinkable mouthwash that consistently keeps your mouth clean and fresh.

It is no secret that rubbing lemon in your teeth will slowly wear off the enamel and cause problems. But when the juice is diluted in a large glass of water, the risks are minimal. Not brushing will increase the damages, but if you brush twice a day to remove the acids your teeth will remain relatively unscathed. Individuals that do not brush their teeth daily after drinking acidic beverages or eating acidic fruits, may experience more cavity development and enamel damages over the course of their lifetime.

The bottom line? Brush your teeth two to three times a day and drink plenty of water. A little lemon is more beneficial than bad.

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