Learn how to make lemon water with these easy steps.
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How to Make Lemon Water That’s Good for Your Teeth
The Deal with Lemon Water
Lemon water has increasingly become popular for its weight loss, detoxification, and digestion benefits. It is also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, becoming a favorite drink for the health-conscious.
But, this fruity fad has an irreversible downside when it is not consumed in moderation: tooth erosion.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, tooth erosion refers to the wearing down of enamel.
Enamel Definition: The makeup of the hard structure of the tooth.
It is usually caused by acidic solutions present in carbonated beverages and fruit juices.
Lemon water is no exception.
If you are a firm believer in the benefits of this drink, follow these easy steps to make lemon water that won’t damage your teeth.
Step 1: Choose fresh lemons instead of store-bought lemon extracts
Bottled lemon juices often have no nutritional value and are loaded with artificial sweeteners. Your teeth will not only suffer from the higher acidity, but also from the sugar.
Stick to fresh lemons for a more delicious and refreshing drink.
Step 2: Cut the lemon into thin slices
Lemon water recipes often use squeezed lemon juice, making the drink too strong or too sour because of the high acidity. To avoid damaging your teeth from the sourness, cut the lemon into thin slices and infuse them into your water bottle.
If you prefer the lemon juice, squeeze half a lemon and pour the juice into at least 32 ounces of water.
Step 3: Use cold water instead of warm water
Most people recommend drinking warm lemon water in the morning to stimulate your metabolism, but this can actually contribute to tooth erosion. The warm temperature may damage the enamel of your teeth when it is paired with the lemon’s acidity.
Use cold water and add ice for a more satisfying drink. If you don’t like drinking iced lemon water, you can also use room temperature water.
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Step 4: Add honey for a sweeter taste
If you want a healthier drink, it is better to skip the honey. But if you can’t enjoy the lemon water without a sweet tinge, try adding a few drops of organic honey.
Avoid artificial sweeteners such as refined sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay.
Step 5: Drink and enjoy
That’s it! You can enjoy this healthy treat in the morning to boost your metabolism, or even during lunch and dinner for a satisfying complement to your meal.
Tips to Avoid Tooth Erosion When Drinking Lemon Water
Making lemon water is easy, but preventing your teeth from getting damaged is not. Here are a few tips to remember when drinking lemon water:
- Use a straw.
Drinking lemon water straight from the bottle will cause the acid to make direct contact with your teeth. Use a straw to keep the liquid at the back of your mouth, away from your teeth.
- Do not brush your teeth immediately after drinking lemon water.
Brushing your teeth excessively can be harmful to your teeth, especially after consuming lemon water that contains naturally abrasive substances. It will soften the thin layer of enamel on your teeth, so make sure to rinse your mouth with plain water instead.
Wait for about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
- If you have sensitive teeth, avoid acidic beverages.
Lemon and lime have higher pH levels than other fruit juices, so consider drinking plain water instead. Lemon water may be good for your digestion, but it can be bad for your teeth if you drink it daily.
You can have a glass of lemon water once in a while, but it is not recommended as a permanent part of your diet.
Wanna know more about the benefits of lemon water? Watch this video from Laura Bench:
Lemon water is a delicious and refreshing drink, but always remember to consume it in moderation. If your teeth are exposed to too much acid, erosion is hard to avoid.
Losing your enamel means more chances of getting cavities and tooth decay, so think twice before sipping away.
Do you know any alternatives to lemon water that are good for the teeth? Share your answers in the comments below!
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