Does citric acid, without the presence of sugar, still encourage decay of the te!
Question: Only I am trying to protect my toddlers teeth (which have signs of decay) by cutting out sugary treats and brushing after meals and drinking water instead of juice. However there is a 'water with hint flavour' drink that has no sugar but does list 'citric acid' as an ingrediant. As sipping drinks are the worse for teeth I want to know if this drink is ok as she loved it more than plain water. I also notice that nearly all squashes (mix with water juice drinks) have citric acid.
I looked up citric acid online and it said it was a weak organic acid that can be good for you (natural detoxitant) but is it a food/drink that should only be given with meals and before brushing or is it ok to have throughout the day?
Answers: Only I am trying to protect my toddlers teeth (which have signs of decay) by cutting out sugary treats and brushing after meals and drinking water instead of juice. However there is a 'water with hint flavour' drink that has no sugar but does list 'citric acid' as an ingrediant. As sipping drinks are the worse for teeth I want to know if this drink is ok as she loved it more than plain water. I also notice that nearly all squashes (mix with water juice drinks) have citric acid.
I looked up citric acid online and it said it was a weak organic acid that can be good for you (natural detoxitant) but is it a food/drink that should only be given with meals and before brushing or is it ok to have throughout the day?
Citric acid is potentially dangerous for your teeth, depending on how long does it react with the surface of the tooth. If you use it many times a day it is possible that it can cause corrosion to the surface of your teeth, and this can cause decay or sensitive teeth. If you brush your teeth after citric acid with fluoride toothpaste then you minimize the danger
I was told by my dentist NOT to clean your teeth for up to an hour AFTER drinking fruit juice etc, as the acid softens the enamel and brushing it then removes a layer of it. If you leave it a while then brush it should be ok. Dunno if it is true so look for better answers if they appear, but it sort of makes sense.
citric acid is hard on your teeth i dont think your suppose to brush right away after drinking it
Of course, it's acid (not sugar per se) that causes dental caries.
We tried an experiment in school, leaving a tooth in Coca Cola overnight (even the sugar-free stuff) and you should have seen the damage it did.
Citric acid is still an acid.
Have him drink it through a straw so it bypasses his teeth and just shoots down his throat. And he should drink some water afterwards to clear it out.