Lemon Water Poses High Risk for Dental Health

Lemon water is known to have amazing health benefits – but is it really worth it when it has detrimental dental side effects? The team from Drury Dental Centre recently encouraged Kiwis to consider its effects on overall dental health despite its wide range of health benefits.

In New Zealand, lemon water is very common, especially in the hospitality industry. Most restaurants and cafes will offer lemon water to their customers, and to no one’s surprise. Not only is it refreshing on a hot summer’s day, it also unlocks many health benefits such as boosting the immune system, improved digestion and strengthening the liver.

However, Drury Dental Centre stresses that lemon water’s high acidity value places people at a higher risk of tooth decay. The acid in lemon water causes erosion in the tooth enamel, which is the very hard, highly mineralised substance that protects the tooth.

Despite tooth enamel being the hardest tissue in the human body, it is susceptible to many forms of degradation, especially by acids in food and drink. When enamel breaks down, it causes tooth sensitivity, tooth discolouration and transparent edges, leading to worse dental problems in the future if not corrected earlier on.

Drury Dental offers tips to preserve your teeth while still enjoying the great benefits of lemon water: (1) drink lemon water carefully through a straw so it bypasses the teeth, (2) rinse your mouth with water afterwards and (3) avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes after as the citric acid is still fresh on your teeth.

Eroded enamel can cause many dental health problems if not kept in check. Sometimes, these can be so severe that people require an emergency dentist for immediate relief – such as cracked teeth or broken teeth. For the best Karaka dental services and Franklin dental services during emergencies like these, contact Drury Dental Centre for reliable and affordable on-call emergency dentists.