Can I Drink Lemon Water After Brushing Teeth?

Can I Drink Lemon Water After Brushing Teeth?

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Drinking lemon water on an empty stomach to lose weight has been trending for so long. Many celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Lauren Conrad, Giselle Bundchen, and Miranda Kerr have claimed to enjoy this drink. Lemon surely has many benefits for your physical health. However, for your dental health, it raises concerns like “Can I drink lemon water after brushing my teeth?” 

Is Lemon Water Good for Your Teeth?

Lemon juice contains citric acid, making it highly acidic with a pH between 2 and 3. According to Dr. Esteban Garza of Champions Dental, drinking acidic beverages like lemon water can wear down tooth enamel over time. This is because acids can quickly erode the protective layer on your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay. Drinks with a pH below 4 can harm oral health, so frequent consumption of lemon water may be a concern.

How Enamel Erodes

Enamel erosion happens when acids break down the minerals in tooth enamel, making it thinner and weaker. As enamel wears away, teeth may look darker or more yellow because the underlying dentin becomes more visible. This can also cause sensitivity to hot and cold foods and increase the risk of cavities.

Long-Term Effects

Drinking lemon water often can cause lasting damage. In one case, a person who drank lemon juice daily for years experienced severe enamel erosion, requiring dental work like crowns to protect their teeth. This shows why it’s important to limit acidic drinks and take care of your enamel.

How Long Should I Wait to Drink Lemon Water After Brushing My Teeth?

After brushing your teeth, wait at least 30 minutes before drinking lemon water. Lemon juice is acidic and can temporarily soften your tooth enamel. Brushing right after drinking something acidic can wear down the enamel. Therefore, giving your teeth time to recover and strengthen is best.

Tips to Safely Enjoy Drinking Lemon Water

“No dentist wants to keep you away from enjoying your favorite citric foods and drinks. However, they will guide you about their usage, like quantity and timing, to prevent them from harming your dental health.” Says Dr. Esteban Garza. The following are some tips for consuming lemon water while protecting your teeth. 

  • After drinking lemon water, rinse your mouth right away with tap water to wash away the acid and help restore your saliva’s normal pH.
  • Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after drinking lemon water. Wait an hour to let your teeth remineralize. Brushing too soon can wear down enamel since the acid softens it, making it more vulnerable to damage.
  • Chewing sugar-free gum after drinking lemon water helps by increasing saliva, which neutralizes the acid in your mouth.
  • Always use a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush, and avoid scrubbing back and forth. Instead, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward your gum line and gently massage each tooth.
  • Drink lemon water through a straw to reduce contact with your teeth.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste and drink tap water to help strengthen your enamel.

Who Should Not Drink Lemon Water?

Lemon water is not completely forbidden. However, for some people, it can be. People who must avoid following the lemon water trend include: 

  • People with Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth are already sensitive, drinking lemon water can make it worse. The acidity can increase sensitivity, making it harder to enjoy hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. It’s best to limit or avoid lemon water if you have sensitive teeth.

  • People with Acid Reflux or GERD

Lemon water can make acid reflux or GERD symptoms worse. Its acidity can irritate the esophagus and increase stomach acid, causing heartburn and discomfort. If you have acid reflux or GERD, it’s better to choose less acidic drinks.

  • People with Mouth Ulcers

Lemon water can be painful if you have mouth ulcers or canker sores. Its acidity can irritate the sores and slow healing. It’s best to avoid acidic drinks like lemon water until the sores heal.

Final Word

Timing matters a lot when it comes to consuming citric foods or beverages like lemon water. Therefore, they should be used in moderation and at the right time. Drinking lemon water immediately after brushing your teeth will cause more acid erosion than drinking it 30 minutes later. 

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