Taking care of your teeth involves more than daily brushing and dentist visits. You also need to be mindful of what you eat. Mineral-rich foods, like dairy and leafy greens, help build and maintain tooth enamel, while acidic ones erode it. Here is everything to know about food acidity to help make the best choices for your oral health.

What Acidity Does

Your dental enamel is made of a tough mineral structure resistant to breaks and cracks. However, acid can eat away at these minerals. This causes the tooth surface to become weak, rough, and pitted, providing even more of a foothold for decay.

Usually, the acid in your mouth is secreted by the bacteria that live there. Their growth can be limited by brushing your teeth. However, acid can also come from the food you eat. A dentist can tell you whether your mouth has suffered damage from acid and help determine if you need a diet change.

Which Foods to Avoid

To keep your dental enamel from eroding, dentists recommend limiting your intake both of foods that are naturally acidic and ones that form acid when digested by bacteria. Some examples of naturally acidic foods are citrus, fruit juice, wine, and tomatoes. Acid-forming foods include all kinds of sugary snacks.

One common culprit to avoid is soda, as it’s both acidic and sugary. It tends to linger on and between your teeth. Of course, you can eat and drink all of these items in moderation. Just take steps to limit their impact, like drinking through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth and rinsing your mouth with water afterward to dilute the residue.

If you're concerned about your acid intake affecting your teeth or just need a check-up, visit Kaimuki Dental Group in Honolulu, HI. Providing restorative and preventative dentistry for patients across the island of Oahu, these dentists offer a full range of services from simple exams to dental implants. They believe in patient education and compassionate care for all. To schedule an appointment, contact them at (808) 737-7905 or online.