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Smile!: The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Smile Beauty
Foods that are acidic in nature like lemons and any carbonated beverages like soda, seltzer etc. should also be taken with caution as they can potentially have an erosive effect on tooth enamel. That doesn't mean that you should not have lemons in your diet. It just means you should not be sucking on them regularly or constantly sipping water with lemon in it or soda for long periods of time.
Regular soda is both highly acidic and high in sugar content and is a deadly combination that can damage teeth in both ways. Minimize the amount of soda you drink and drink it with a straw so that most of it goes down rather than on your teeth. Diet soda may not have the sugar in it but it is still highly acidic and harmful to teeth.
Even though tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, acidic foods and beverages can harm tooth enamel. Those who habitually suck on lemons and oranges and those who drink most types of soda (regular or diet) and some sports drinks. These beverages damage tooth enamel more when they are sipped over time during the day. If you can't avoid these drinks, they should be finished in one short sitting, and a straw should be used to bypass the teeth. Drinking water or brushing your teeth directly after will help protect the teeth from the damaging effects of these acidic drinks. See also: http://www.dentalcomfortzone.com/template.php?aid=247.
That said, some foods produce more bacteria faster -- sugar is a culprit here, as are acidic drinks (like cola and other soda/pop). This is why us dentists say to avoid these if you can. Drink more water, and less soda. It's a lot better for you (and will help wash away food particles as well!)
Foods and liquids high in sugar content and acidic foods can destroy tooth enamel. If you eat or drink a lot of these foods and liquids, you should brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible. The longer these foods and liquids are exposed to your teeth, the greater the probability of damage to your teeth. Foods and liquids high in sugar can cause cavities. Candy and sodas are the worst. Acidic foods can destroy the enamel on the teeth over time. Citrus fruits and drinks, sour candies, and Mountain Dew are the worst. Moderation and good oral hygiene are the keys to prevent tooth damage from these foods and liquids.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.