The majority of people enjoy eating fruits because they are sweet and juicy, and their high vitamin C content – found in grapes, oranges, strawberries, etc. – makes them excellent options for both dental and general health. Certain fruits, on the other hand, contain a high acid content and might be detrimental to the enamel of your teeth and can cause acid reflux. However, you may still benefit from the health advantages of acidic fruits if you understand which fruits represent the biggest danger and how to eat them safely.
Which Fruits Are High in Acid?
The acidity of a food is determined by its pH value. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), foods with a pH more than 7 are considered alkaline, while those with a pH less than 7 are considered acidic. And the lower the pH, the more acidic the fruit is. The following are the ten most acidic fruits, as determined by Clemson University:
- Lemon Juice (between 2.00 and 2.60)
- Lime (2.00 – 2.80)
- Blue Plums (2.80 – 3.40
- Grapes (2.90–3.82)
- Pomegranates (2.93 – 3.20)
- Grapefruits (3.00–3.75)
- Blueberries (3.11–3.33)
- Pineapple (3.20–4.00)
- Apples (3.30–4.00)
- Peaches (3.30–4.05)
What Effect Does Acid Have On Our Mouth?
Acid is detrimental to our teeth because it erodes the enamel, leaving them exposed to injury. Each time we consume an acidic food or beverage, the enamel of our teeth becomes softer for a brief period and loses part of its mineral content.
Our saliva will gradually neutralise this acidity and restore our mouth’s natural equilibrium. However, if this acid assault occurs frequently enough, our mouth is unable to heal. This may result in the gradual loss of our enamel.
Enamel is the tooth‘s hard, protective layer that shields the delicate dentine beneath. When the enamel wears away, the dentine underneath becomes visible, which can cause discomfort and irritation.
Do not be alarmed by the fact that the majority of fruits have a large amount of acid. Other fruits are acid-free and incredibly delectable. The following is a list:
How to Prevent Teeth Damage and Acid Reflux?
Researchers at the UC San Diego advocate consuming three times as many alkaline-producing meals as acid-producing foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
The pH of food before to consumption is less significant than the quantity of acid or alkaline created during digestion and metabolism.
While this is uncommon, it is possible for the urine’s pH to be abnormally alkaline. However, in the United States, excessive acidity is a more prevalent concern. This is because the usual diet comprises an excessive amount of animal protein and grains and an insufficient amount of fruits and vegetables.
Increased prescription medication use contributes to the situation as well.