A glass of warm lemon water in the morning has become all
the rage lately. Some people drink it as part of a regimen to achieve a more
alkaline diet along with green juice and huge salads. Although these seem like
great ways to promote optimal health, they may be causing you harm in
unexpected ways.What is pH?
The measure of alkalinity versus acidity is referred to as
pH. Fish tank keepers are likely quite familiar with the concept. The pH scale
goes from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic or alkaline) with 7 being neutral.
Human blood functions best at a pH of 7.36 to 7.44. Health advocates believe
that incorporating lemon water and green juicing into daily diets helps blood
and other human body systems sustain maximum operating efficiency. They
typically advocate
80% foods that make the body more alkaline such as lemon water and 20%
moderately acidic foods.
Acidic Foods Make the Body More Alkaline
Sounds weird right? An acidic food such as a lemon actually
makes the body more basic or alkaline. Here’s how it works. A lemon is acidic
before it’s ingested. After it’s been processed by the body it has an alkalizing
effect. Too much acid-forming food can cause the human body to be out of
balance, so the alkalizing effects of warm
lemon water have become quite popular.
The Effects of Lemon Water on Your Teeth
Although warm lemon water, green juices and similar dietary
choices may have a beneficial impact on your body, they’re also harmful to your
teeth. Your teeth are formed with a hard coating called enamel. This coating
protects your teeth from decay and sensitivity, but it can be eroded by over
exposure to highly acidic foods, such as lemons. In fact, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) finds lemons
and limes to be the top two most acidic fruits.
In my dental practice, I’ve seen many patients with strong,
healthy teeth alter their diet for increased systemic alkalinity suddenly
develop tooth enamel issues. Fortunately, there are some ways to mitigate
these effects.
Use a Straw
By drinking your lemon water or green juice through a straw,
you’re able to experience the alkalinizing benefits while ensuring that the
acidic nature of these beverages misses your teeth and protects the enamel.
Eat Cheese
If you’re not one for straws, eating cheese immediately
after your lemon water or green juice raises the pH in your mouth and increases
saliva production, which will protect your tooth enamel by neutralizing the
acids.
Rinse
Rinsing isn’t just something we ask you to do here at the dental
office. You can minimize the effects of acidic fruits on your tooth enamel by
rinsing your mouth immediately after consuming them and then waiting at least
half an hour (30 minutes) before brushing your teeth. This gives you mouth and
salivary glands time to return to their normal balance.
Brush First
If you’re time constraints are such that you have to run out
the door and can’t wait 30 minutes to brush after drinking your warm lemon
water or green juice, you can also brush beforehand.
If you do this, you should still rinse after finishing your beverage to ensure
your tooth enamel is protected.
Keep your teeth and your body healthy with these tips and
don’t forget to see your dentist at least twice a year.
