Lately, there has been an influx of Tiktok videos with titles espousing the health benefits of lemon water. The drink, which simply involves adding lemon juice to water, has grown popular in recent years due to its potential health advantages. These benefits include increased hydration, vitamin C supplementation, and a healthier alternative to sugary beverages such as soda or fruit juice. However, drinking lemon water does come with a surprising health hazard.
How Drinking Lemon Water Potentially Damages Your Teeth
According to one dentist, she often sees patients who have issues with their tooth enamel. After asking them a series of questions about their diet and lifestyle, she found out that the common factor was that they all drank lemon water quite regularly. What’s even more troubling is that many people brush their teeth straight afterward, thinking that it is the correct thing to do. As it turns out, this is actually the worst thing you can do for your tooth enamel!
When You Shouldn’t Brush Your Teeth Too Soon
She stated that we shouldn’t brush our teeth after consuming lemon water. In fact, you shouldn’t brush your teeth after consuming any kind of drink or food that contains high levels of acid. “You’re basically brushing acid into your teeth,” she said. So, when is it safe to brush your teeth after drinking lemon water?
How Long to Wait Before Brushing Teeth After Drinking Lemon Water
Instead, she recommended that you brush your teeth before drinking it or wait around 20 to 30 minutes thereafter. As an alternative, you can rinse your mouth with water to remove any acid, then brush as normal. Additionally, you could consume the lemon water through a straw. Some of her patients tell her they prefer to drink it hot, so she tells them to wait until it reaches room temperature and then drink it with a straw.
The Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water with a Straw
Using a straw prevents acidic drinks from coming into contact with teeth, and this approach can also be used when drinking coffee. It also helps to reduce stains from coffee as it is less likely to come into contact with your teeth. Not only does sipping your lemon water through a straw protect the enamel from erosion, but also minimizes direct exposure to sugar, which can significantly contribute to tooth cavities over time.
The Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water
As long as you brush your teeth at the appropriate time, drinking lemon water can have plenty of benefits. Lemon water, which is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, boosts the immune system, allowing the body to fight off infections. It promotes digestion by increasing bile production and boosting gut health, while also functioning as a natural detoxifier to eliminate toxins. Lemon water’s moisturizing and alkalizing characteristics can help to improve skin health, leaving it beautiful and revitalized. Furthermore, it can aid jumpstart metabolism, making it an excellent complement to a weight loss regimen.
The Best Time to Brush Your Teeth
Brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after eating, especially if you’ve had any acidic meals or drinks. Acids found in citrus fruits, vinegar, and soda temporarily weaken enamel, leaving it more susceptible to damage. Brushing right after eating might cause the weakened enamel to erode. This increases the risk of developing cavities. Waiting enables your saliva to neutralize the acids and start remineralizing your enamel, making it safer to brush. For extra protection, you can rinse your mouth with water after eating. This helps to wash away acids and sugars while you are waiting to brush.
The Bottom Line
While lemon water has become a popular health trend due to its multiple benefits, it is important to examine how it may affect your dental health. Consuming it through a straw, rinsing your mouth afterward, and brushing your teeth at the right times can all help to maintain your enamel. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the pleasant and health-boosting benefits of lemon water without risking your teeth. After all, excellent practices and a little prudence can help you keep your smile and overall health.
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