Community Magazine July 2014

106 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Do you remember your chemistry classes? The lower the pH, the higher the acidity. And the higher the acidity, the higher the risk of acid erosion to your teeth. W hen acid comes into contact with teeth, the tooth’s hard enamel surface can temporarily soften. Asurprising number of foods are acidic, and even healthy foods and drinks like fruit juices can have harmful levels of acidity. Studies show that tooth enamel begins to dissolve at pH below 5.5, and dentin (the hard tissue that makes up the core of your tooth that lies underneath the enamel) below 6.7. Many otherwise healthy foods are more acidic than that. Although sugar content in foods is certainly an issue for many people, the acidity of fruits and vegetables is a bigger problem than its sugar content, as far as dental health goes. If you have sensitive teeth or are getting cavities, you might want to limit your intake of low-pH foods. And if you have a moment of weakness and invade the pickle jar, or indulge in other high acid foods, swish afterwards with water and baking soda to raise your mouth’s pH. This will help avoid sensitivity and prevent acid damage. Remember, since the acid foods will temporarily soften the enamel, brushing right after an acidic food will actually do more damage than good. You can repair damage by Remineralization – the process of restoring minerals. MI paste™ is not toothpaste, but rather a paste used to repair the damage of acid erosion and reverse sensitivity by putting calcium back into the tooth. I usually tell my patients to smear it on their teeth and leave it on for the entire time they are taking a shower. This is a great way to multi-task. It is very difficult to stand in front of the bathroom mirror with a mouth full of paste for 3-5 minutes. However, while you are busy taking a shower you can help repair your damaged teeth and prevent further breakdown and sensitivity. Healthy foods are still healthy, but you need to look after your teeth. So enjoy the benefits of your favorite fruits, while ensuring that your teeth don’t end up paying the price. DR. JACQUES DOUECK List of generally healthy foods and their pH levels. Apples: .............3.3 - 3.9 Apricots: ...........3.3 - 4.0 Blackberries: ....3.9 - 4.5 Blueberries: ......3.1 - 3.3 Cherries: ...........3.2 - 4.1 Frozen cherries: 3.3 - 3.4 Dill pickles: .......3.2 - 3.7 Grapes: ............2.8 - 3.8 Grapefruit: ........3.0 - 3.8 Ketchup:...........3.9 Lemon juice: ....2.0 - 2.6 Lime juice:........2.0 - 2.8 Mangos: ...........3.4 - 4.8 Nectarines:.......3.9 - 4.2 Peaches: ..........3.3 - 4.1 Pears (Bartlett): 3.5 - 4.6 Pineapple:........3.2 - 4.0 Plums: ...............2.8 - 4.5 Pomegranate: ..2.9 - 3.2 Raspberries: .....3.2 - 3.7 Sauerkraut:.......3.3 - 3.6 Strawberries: ....3.0 - 3.9 Tangerine: ........3.3 - 4.5 Tomatoes (canned): ...3.5 - 4.7 Vinegar: ...........2.4 - 3.4 Orange juice: ...3.3 - 4.2 Red wine: .........3.4 Buttermilk: ........4.2 Yogurt:..............4.2 Eggs:.................6.6 Whole Milk:.......6.7 Water: ...............7.3 Are Fruits and Vegetables Healthy For Your Teeth?