Drinking Lemon Water Impacts Your Dental Health
Lemon Water and it’s effect on Dental Health
Lemon water is pretty simple—it’s basically plain water that’s been infused with fresh lemon juice and a few optional ice cubes—but there’s no denying that it can be exceedingly delicious in the summertime (or after a sweaty workout), as it gives basic water a wow-worthy flavor boost.
A squeeze of juice and a hint of zest can make drinking water so much more appealing, no? This is doubly true for those of us who find a glass of standard tap to be a bit bland on its own—and therefore struggle to maintain enough fluid to satisfy our body’s daily needs.
How does lemon water impact teeth, gums, and overall dental health?
1. Lemon water can boost saliva production and freshen breath
As mentioned, its appealing flavor (and lack of sugar or caffeine) can help with hydration, and our bodies cannot function at their best without sufficient fluid intake—mouth included. “Hydration is key for good salivary production, and the most protective natural remedy of tooth decay happens to be a well-hydrated mouth,” says Beverly Hills-based dentist, Rhonda Kalasho, DDS and CEO of TruGlo Modern Dental. “And since lemon is acidic by nature, it has natural antiseptic qualities. This means it helps to kill some bacteria in the mouth, which naturally helps to get rid of stink and freshen breath.”
2. The acidity of lemon water may soften the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to yellowing, cavities, and sensitivity in teeth and gums
However, according to Dr. Kalasho, there are also some drawbacks of drinking lemon water when it comes to oral hygiene. “Lemon water’s acidity can be damaging to your teeth, gums, and enamel in the long-term, unless you implement a few simple steps to reduce damage and protect your teeth from erosion, decay, or yellowing,” she says.
To get more specific, lemon water can soften the enamel on your teeth over time when consumed consistently. “This is because anything acidic in your diet demineralizes your teeth, which is what’s causing the enamel to soften,” says dentist Sharon Huang, DDS, MICOI and Founder of Les Belles NYC. She says that the same goes for other acidic foods and beverages: Coffee, tomato-based sauces, wine, and so on.