Lemon water is a popular health drink praised for its detoxifying properties and high vitamin C content – but a dentist has warned it can be damaging to your teeth
A dentist has sounded the alarm over a trendy health beverage that’s all the rage with wellness buffs and Instagram influencers alike.
Lemon water, often hailed for its detoxifying effects and vitamin C boost, could actually be wreaking havoc on your teeth, according to Dr Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum.
“Lemon juice has a pH level of around 2, which is very acidic,” Dr Bozic pointed out. “This acidity can erode the enamel on your teeth, which is the hard, protective outer layer.” Enamel erosion isn’t something you can reverse, and it opens the door to a slew of dental woes, from cavities to increased sensitivity.
Dr Bozic cautioned: “Once the enamel is worn away, it doesn’t grow back. Your teeth become more vulnerable to cavities and damage.”
That enamel is your teeth’s knight in shining armour against nasty bacteria and other threats. When it wears down, the softer, more susceptible dentin underneath gets exposed, leading to problems like: Increased sensitivity: “People often experience heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks when their enamel is eroded,”
Higher risk of cavities: “With less protection, your teeth are more susceptible to decay,” he continued. Aesthetic issues: “Eroded enamel can also lead to discolouration and a yellowish appearance of teeth,” Dr Bozic warned.
Kick-starting your day with a glass of lemon water may seem like a healthy habit, but regularly drinking the acidic beverage can wreak havoc on your teeth, a dentist has warned. Dr Bozic said: “The frequency and duration of exposure are key factors in enamel erosion. Sipping on lemon water throughout the day or letting it linger in your mouth can amplify the damage.”
However, you don’t have to ditch the drink entirely. “Using a straw can reduce the contact between the acidic lemon water and your teeth, helping to prevent enamel erosion,” Dr Bozic advises. He also recommends rinsing your mouth with water afterwards to neutralise the acid and wash away any residual acidity.
The dentist added: “Avoid brushing immediately after drinking lemon water; wait at least 30 minutes to allow the enamel to re-harden.”
Limiting your intake to once a day can also reduce acid exposure. “Consider less acidic alternatives like cucumber or mint-infused water, which are refreshing and gentler on your teeth,” Dr Bozic suggests.
Furthermore, using fluoride toothpaste is another protective measure. “Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel and provides extra protection against acid erosion,” Dr Bozic said.
