5 Acidic Fruits and How They Affect Your Teeth

The words 'acidic fruits' might not sound like they go together, but many fruits are actually acidic.

Some of them are even very acidic. Fruits that fall in the acidic category include oranges, lemons, grapefruit, pineapple, blackberries and more. While these fruits can be delicious and nutritious, they can also damage your teeth if you eat them too often or too frequently.

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Top Foods High in Acidity

Here are the top five such fruits:

#1 Orange

Oranges are an acidic fruit that can damage teeth. To avoid damaging your teeth with oranges, make sure to drink plenty of water after eating them, and brush your teeth regularly.

The same goes for lemons, limes, and grapefruits. These fruits can also cause teeth to become yellow if you have them regularly.

2) Lemon

Lemons are very acidic. (Image via Pexels/Lukas)

Lemons is a highly acidic fruit and can cause damage to the enamel of teeth. The acid from lemon juice can cause tooth sensitivity, which means you will feel pain when you eat or drink something hot.

If you're looking for a drink that will give you a boost of energy, try drinking water instead. Water is much healthier than soft drinks or juice, and it's also cheaper.

3) Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that originates in the West Indies. It has many health benefits, such as helping lower cholesterol level, aid in weight loss and reduce risk of heart disease.

In addition to being high in Vitamin C and potassium (a mineral), grapefruits also contain fiber, which helps keep the digestive system running smoothly. The fruit can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other foods like yogurt or cottage cheese.

There are no known side effects from eating grapefruit regularly, except for an upset stomach if you eat too much at once. It may also interact negatively with certain medications if taken within two hours of each other.

4) Pineapple

Pineapples are also an acidic fruit and good for the digestive system. (Image via Pexels/Lisa Fotios)

One of the most acidic fruits is pineapple. They contain an enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down protein and can cause tooth erosion if consumed regularly.

This fruit also causes sensitivity to heat and cold, so if you're already prone to sensitive teeth or gums, it might not be a good idea for you to eat pineapples regularly. The good news is that pineapples are high in vitamin C.

5) Blackberry

Blackberries are an acidic fruit and can stain your teeth. They can also cause dental erosion, which is when the enamel on the teeth is worn down by acids in foods or drinks.

To avoid staining or eroding your teeth, brush immediately after having blackberries, and drink plenty of water afterward to rinse out any leftovers stuck between your teeth.

If you have sensitive gums, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of one designed for hard surfaces like enamel. That way, you will be able to clean around them without hurting yourself.

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What are Some of the Least Acidic Fruits?

Avocados, persimmons, cantaloupes and olives have low acidity levels. Whether you're looking for non-acidic fruits for gastritis, heartburn or any other reason, these should be at the top of your shopping list.

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How Acid Affects the Mouth?

Eating foods high in acidity can cause damage to your teeth. (Image via Pexels/Emirkhan Bal)

Acidic fruits can be harmful to teeth. The acids in these fruits cause a chemical reaction that breaks down the enamel on the teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. That's especially true if you have already had a cavity or other damage to your teeth, which makes them more vulnerable to acid attack.

There are many factors that determine how acidic a fruit is: its ripeness, texture (firmness), and even its color. The higher the acidity level of a fruit, the less time it will take for it to damage the enamel. Keep that in mind when choosing what kind of snack food might best suit your needs.

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Nutrition is an important part of dental health, but following a specific diet doesn't necessarily make it any more likely for you to develop tooth erosion.

The aforementioned acidic fruits are already present in the average diet. If you're maintaining good oral hygiene habits (like regular brushing and flossing), the occasional intake of these fruits won't endanger your teeth at all.