Acid and Your Teeth
Acids found in food and liquids can have a harmful affect on your teeth. Each tooth has a hard protective layer called the enamel. When acids come in contact with the enamel, the acids can make it soft. When this happens repeatedly, your enamel can wear away and can never be restored naturally.
The chance of getting cavities increases for those whose teeth are regularly exposed to food with high acid contents. It is impossible to make a complete list, as acidic foods are found everywhere, but following are some of the more common acidic food and beverages: Beer, Beef, Soft drinks, Coffee, Fish, Lamb, Pasta, White Flour, Table Salt, Pork and White Bread. Even grazing on fruits and vegetables slowly throughout the day can expose your teeth to acid damage.
Bacteria in your mouth, which feeds on sugars, can also create acid. The best way to avoid acid damage is to avoid snacking continuously throughout the day. Rinsing and flossing, and chewing sugar free gum after eating during the day can be helpful. Brushing right after eating acidic foods though, can actually damage the teeth, because the enamel is soft from the acid. Nuts and dairy are also good acid balancing foods.
