Why Pickles And Other "Healthy Foods" Can Rot Your Teeth

We can see the state of our inner health through the health of our mouth. The food we eat can strengthen or damage our gums, enamels, and teeth.

Plaque is one of those damages we need to be particularly wary of… as this sticky bacteria:

-      Inflame 

-      Discolor

-      And deteriorate our teeth.

They often cause tooth decay, cavities, and overtime... lead to various gum diseases.

We know that consuming food rich in processed sugar and acids can cause plaque. However, adopting a healthy diet rich in certain fruit and vegetables can also be detrimental.

And you might think that...

-      brushing

-      And flossing

Your teeth twice a day should be enough not to let healthy food rot them. However... particular food can be extremely damaging to your teeth… no matter how well you look after them.

So what are the “healthy” food you need to avoid? Make sure you keep reading.

Number 3. Citrus Fruits

We all love fruits for their sweet, juicy, and vitamin-rich flavoring. But not all fruits are good for your teeth.

Citrus fruits, in particular… are highly acidic and can be detrimental to your teeth.

According to Colgate... our mouth and saliva should stay balanced with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 to maintain health. (1) A food’s acidity is measured by its pH, ranging from 0 to 14. A food with a pH below 7 is considered acidic... and can eat away the teeth. 

Citrus fruits high in acid include:

-      Lemon

-      Limes

-      Oranges

-      And Grapefruit.

These fruits have a pH ranging between 2 and 6. (2) Acidic foods within that range have shown to increase the erosion of the tooth enamel. (3)

So, if your teeth show early signs of erosion and rotting… it is best to chat with your dentist and avoid acidic foods like citrus fruits.

Number 2. Pickles

Another acidic food you’re going to want to watch out for is pickles.

While this sour cucumber is rich in nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants…

It also contains and is mixed with vinegar… which accelerates the rots of your teeth.

A British study published in 2018 looked at tooth erosion in a group of teenagers. (4) After observing their dietary habits… they found that those who consumed vinegar and pickles regularly... had greater risks of tooth erosion and rot.

Pickles have an acidic pH of about 4.6.

Experts advise limiting your consumption of vinegar and pickles when it comes to tooth health. You can also prevent the impact of acids on your enamel... by regularly drinking water to neutralize the mouth’s pH. (5)

Number 1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a popular addition to our salads, burgers, and drinks.

However… this red and rounded fruit is unfortunately rich in acids. A tomato’s pH range is between 3.5 and 4.9. Their pH can vary depending on whether the tomato is canned, fresh, or cooked. (6)

The varied acid countenance of foods like tomatoes attacks the mineral found in the tooth enamel. As a result… the enamel wears away… exposing the dark yellow dentine underneath. (7)

And while there is no definitive study looking at the impact of tomatoes on oral health… experts have confirmed that consuming acidic foods regularly can wear down the enamel and rot the teeth. (8)

All in all, if you notice that your teeth are:

-      Sensitive

-      Discolored

-      Soft and unusually rounded

-      Cracked

-      Transparent at the edge

You might want to stay clear of acidic foods like citrus fruit, pickles, and tomatoes… and speak with your dentist.

Limiting your consumption of these healthy foods can prevent further degradation of your enamels. Alternatively... citrus fruit and tomatoes, in particular, can be drunk with a straw. This provides you with all their nutrients without harming your teeth.

No one wants to have cracked, discolored teeth that are slowly rotting… and one natural and effective way to avoid it is through food. You can replace acidic foods with mineral-rich fruit, grains, and vegetables... that will remineralize and reinforce your enamel.

1.    https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/acidic-fruits-and-teeth-effects

2.    https://healthfully.com/how-to-measure-citric-acid-in-fruits-simply-12680992.html

3.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24072423/

4.    https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2018.127

5.    https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/how-acidic-foods-affect-teeth-and-which-to-avoid

6.   https://techiescientist.com/ph-of-tomato/

7.    https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-erosion

8.    http://www.ijcea.org/vol6/468-A4001.pdf