Are Citrus Fruits and Juices Good for My Teeth?

Fruits are always a good option for a snack, thanks to their essential nutritional benefits for your health. Citrus fruits offer an abundance of Vitamin C, but if you don´t want to let go of citrus fruits in your daily life, there are some steps you must take to prevent damage to your teeth. Managing your oral hygiene requires a lot of care, such as your regular visits to your family dentist in Issaquah.  

Is Citrus Healthy to Eat Every Day?  

All fruits contribute to your oral health; some fruits more than others. Citrus is high in vitamin C, a part of a healthy diet, but citrus is also high in acid content. Acid is one of the enemies of good oral hygiene as it wears away tooth enamel and can increase your risk for developing cavities.

How Can Acid Cause Cavities?

Your mouth contains bacteria that feed on sugar and starches to create acid. Acid wears away on your tooth enamel over time and can develop cavities, or holes, in your enamel. 

You expose your teeth to many acids when you have a diet that includes citrus fruits and juices. For this reason, your dentist will caution you about eating and drinking acids too often to reduce the risk of wearing down enamel.

What Can You Do?

For many people, citrus fruits are an essential part of their everyday life. We know that citrus foods are rich in many nutrients, but it is necessary to take care of our teeth when consuming them.  

• Rinse your mouth with water after eating an orange or drinking your favorite grapefruit juice.

• You can wipe away the damaging acids to protect your tooth enamel and keep a healthy pH balance in your mouth.

• Eat the orange quickly, if you devour your orange fruit, you´re reducing the time your teeth will expose to acid and sugar.  

• Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking to brush. Your teeth may still be sensitive to the recent acid exposure.  

• Avoid putting a lemon in your water as a regular custom; make it more for a special occasion. If you have less acid exposure, your teeth will be stronger.

• Try to include various fruits as a part of a well-balanced diet. 

• Don´t eat oranges as snacks; it is better to leave them as a dessert or a salad component.

• You should brush your teeth twice for two minutes and floss daily for maximum benefit.

Along with proper at-home oral hygiene and limiting harsh foods for your enamel, our dentists in Issaquah recommend regular dental checkups. Dental checkups and teeth cleaning can help prevent dental decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Enjoy a beautiful and brighter smile, feel confident, and trust in our high-quality services for your family and you. 

Need a Family Dentist in Issaqua?

Let´s get started if you are looking for more information about a family dentist and high-quality service. If you desire a checkup appointment for you and your family, call today to make an appointment by contacting our office today!