Foods that damage your tooth enamel and how to keep your smile strong

With all the acidic foods and drinks in your diet, including the lemon water and spicy snacks, enamel erosion is becoming more and more common. However, if you follow the right habits, you can keep your enamel — and your smile — strong for a longer time.

The enamel is a natural shield. It’s the toughest part of your body, even harder than bone, and it’s your teeth’s first line of defence. It keeps the softer, more sensitive layers underneath safe from things like hot coffee, cold water, sweet treats, and bacteria. But the enamel doesn’t grow back. “Once enamel is worn away, it’s gone,” says Dr Santosh Ravindran, a senior dentist in Mumbai. “That’s why it’s so important to protect it before the damage starts.”

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A lot of what we eat and drink can slowly weaken the enamel without you even realising it. “Acid is the main culprit — it weakens the enamel by stripping away essential minerals like calcium.” says Dr Ravindran, and shares some surprising enamel-eroding foods:

• Pickles – Vinegar is very acidic

• Fermented foods – They create natural acids

• Strong black tea – Especially in large amounts

• Lemon water – Citric acid can wear down enamel, especially when sipped often

• Spicy snacks – Can make your mouth more acidic

“Over time, your enamel gets thinner, and you might start noticing signs like sensitive teeth, dullness, or even small chips and cracks.” he told Moneycontrol.

Dr Ravindran suggests simple tips to protect your enamel: 

• Eat acidic foods with meals, not on their own: This helps to reduce their impact on your teeth. Snacks like lemon water, pickles, or spicy chips are best with food, not in-between meals.

• Don’t rush to brush: After having something acidic, rinse your mouth with water and wait about 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing too soon can do more harm than good.

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• Pick the right toothpaste: not all toothpastes protect enamel. Choose one with fluoride and specifically made to strengthen enamel.

• Visit your dentist regularly: Even if your teeth feel fine, regular checkups may help catch enamel wear early. Your dentist can guide you on how to stop it from getting worse.

Don’t ditch your favourite foods, just be a little smarter about them.” recommends the dentist.

FAQs enamel erosion: