With summer here and the weather starting to heat up, everyone loves to introduce more of our wonderful summer fruits into their diets. With every food, there is a higher or lower pH level which affects the acidity of the foods. Fruits have a higher acidity which can cause wear to the teeth. It’s important to know what the fruits that you are eating can do to your teeth and how to protect yourself from enamel erosion.
What is acidity?
Acidic foods are any foods that have a pH lower than 7. Anything higher than a 7 is considered to be alkaline. Our saliva works to neutralize the acidic food and drinks that we consume as it has a pH ranging from 6.2 to 7.6.
What are the most acidic foods?
As mentioned above, all foods and drinks have a pH level. The higher the acidity of the foods, the more risk of enamel erosion can occur. If the enamel is thinned enough and the dentine (softer layer underneath the enamel) becomes exposed, the teeth can become sensitive and begin chipping and wearing away.
Fruits with a higher acidity
- Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, tangerines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Blueberries
- Pineapple
- Pomegranates
Fruits that are less acidic
- Watermelons
- Cantaloupes
- Honeydew melon
- Ripe mangoes
- Bananas
- Papayas