Can Lemon Water Damage Your Teeth?

Dentist in Prospect Heights, IL

Jennifer Aniston, Claudia Schiffer, Beyonce, and Gwyneth Paltrow are just some of the stars who have said they enjoy fresh lemon squeezed into warm water as a healthy drink. Some people claim that warm lemon water can boost the immune system, aid digestion, and help with weight loss. But could this drink be damaging to your teeth?

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C but lemon juice is highly acidic and can cause erosion in tooth enamel over time. If you sweeten that lemon water with sugar, you increase the risk of tooth decay as well. So how can you join the lemon water trend without damaging your teeth?

Just follow these tips:

• Brush your teeth before drinking.
• Use the juice from a fresh lemon, not the concentrated, commercial lemon juices.
• Drink through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
• Drink it quickly, rather than sipping over a long period of time.
• Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking.
• Wait two hours to brush your teeth after drinking to allow the calcium in your saliva to re-mineralize your teeth.

All acidic beverages have the potential to erode the enamel on your teeth, such as:

• citrus fruits
• fruit juices
• soda, including diet soda
• some wines

To prevent potential damage to your teeth, consume these drinks occasionally instead of daily and follow the tips above whenever possible.

Contact our office to schedule your next preventive dental appointment.