Many people like to add a few slices of lemon to their water and gradually replace their daily drinking water with lemon water. However, according to a report by the China Times in Taiwan, the acidic substances in lemons may damage tooth enamel, easily causing teeth to become stained and yellow. It is recommended to rinse your mouth after drinking lemon water.
Lemon water has many benefits, such as boosting immunity and resisting aging, but Taiwanese physician Chen Zhongming pointed out that enamel is located on the outermost layer of teeth, is transparent and has a glossy luster, and is the part of the tooth structure responsible for resisting external sensitivities. If you drink beverages with a pH below 5.5 and do not pay attention to cleaning, it can cause enamel decalcification, damaging the tooth surface and making it rough. If combined with improper brushing, a "V"-shaped depression can appear in the enamel near the gums. Over time, the enamel is eroded, teeth can become prone to sensitivity and softness, and when in contact with cold and hot foods, sensitive symptoms can also appear. In addition to lemon water, beverages containing tannins, such as green tea, black tea, grape juice, red wine, and fruit juices, can also corrode enamel, causing teeth to become stained and yellow.
Taiwanese physician Huang Qiongfang suggests that when drinking such beverages, it is best to use a straw to reduce the contact between the liquid and the teeth. After consuming acidic and staining foods, you should rinse your mouth with water for 5 to 10 seconds, 3 to 4 times consecutively, to reduce the effects of acid erosion and staining. However, it should be noted that you should not brush your teeth immediately, as acid softens the tooth surface, and brushing at this time can further damage the enamel. You should wait for 30 minutes before brushing.