How to Prevent Lemon Water from Damaging Teeth

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Sipping lemon water throughout the day might seem like a healthy habit, but it can damage your teeth over time. This is because lemon juice is very acidic and it wears down your teeth's enamel covering. [1] To keep your teeth healthy and strong, make a few simple changes to your morning beverage and give your teeth a little time before you brush them. You can still enjoy your lemon water while protecting your teeth.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Preparing the Water

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  1. Hot or boiling water softens your teeth's enamel more, which means the acid from the lemon juice can cause more damage. To prevent damage, make your lemon water with cold or lukewarm water. [2]
    • You can prep a container of lemon water and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to enjoy it.
  2. You don't need to add so much lemon juice that your mouth puckers when you drink the water. Squeeze half of a lemon and pour the juice into a pitcher. Then, pour in 4 1 ⁄ 4 cups (1.0 L) of water and stir the beverage. [3]
    • Diluted lemon juice doesn't damage your teeth like stronger lemon juice water.
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  3. Remember that you're not making lemonade, so the lemon water shouldn't be sweet. The combination of sugar and acid can damage your teeth and cause cavities. [4]
    • The sugar also feeds bacteria in your mouth, which makes acid and weakens your teeth even more. [5]
  4. Instead of adding acidic citrus to your water every day, try flavoring it with sliced cucumber, a sprig of fresh mint, or fresh rosemary. These are gentler on your teeth and they add bright, herbal flavors to the water. [6]
    • You can also add fresh tomatoes and basil for garden-fresh water or add cubes of fresh melon like honeydew or cantaloupe.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Protecting Your Teeth

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  1. One of the easiest ways to protect your enamel from damage is to sip the lemon water through a straw instead of drinking it out of a glass. The straw directs the acidic beverage towards the back of your mouth so it doesn't coat your teeth. [7]
    • Keep paper or metal straws in your bag if you like to drink your lemon water on the go.
  2. Eating foods rich in calcium can restore minerals to your teeth, so eat dairy or foods high in calcium. For example, munch on: [8]
    • Cheese
    • Yogurt
    • Milk
    • Broccoli florets
  3. After you're done with the lemon water, swish plain water in your mouth for about 10 seconds and spit it out. Rinsing out the lemon with plain water helps you salivate. Your saliva has minerals that strengthen and protect your teeth. [9] [10] [11]
    • You can also chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
  4. You might think that you should immediately brush your teeth, but this can damage your teeth even more. The acidic lemon juice softens your enamel so it's more sensitive and prone to damage from scrubbing. [12]
    • If you have a hard time remember to brush, set a timer on your phone to remind you.
  5. Once you've waited at least 1 hour, squeeze toothpaste on a soft or ultra-soft bristle toothbrush and gently scrub your teeth. Work in a circular motion so you're not being too rough on your teeth's enamel. [13]
    • The fluoride in toothpaste repairs your teeth's enamel and protects them from further damage.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can my teeth regenerate enamel?
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Expert Answer
    No, your teeth can’t regenerate your enamel once its gone. Enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth that protects them. It’s super strong and almost comparable to a bone, but it can’t grow back because it doesn't have living cells. So, once it’s worn away, it’s gone for good. If you have lost your enamel, you should consult your dentist. They might use crowns or fillings to cover exposed dentin and protect your teeth. While you cannot grow enamel back, you can protect it by brushing with fluoride toothpaste, avoiding too many acidic foods and drinks, and taking good care of your teeth daily.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Straw
      • Soft bristle toothbrush
      • Fluoridated toothpaste

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6235510/
      2. ↑ https://www.flushinghospital.org/newsletter/the-surprising-benefits-of-hot-water-and-lemon/
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-reasons-to-start-your-day-with-lemon-water-infographic
      4. ↑ https://www.franciscanhealthfitnesscenters.org/content/benefits-drinking-lemon-water
      5. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/nutrition/sugary-drinks
      6. ↑ https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/infused-water-the-healthy-swap-for-soda
      7. ↑ https://www.flushinghospital.org/newsletter/the-surprising-benefits-of-hot-water-and-lemon/
      8. ↑ https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/10-foods-and-drinks-with-surprising-oral-health-benefits
      9. ↑ https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/10-foods-and-drinks-with-surprising-oral-health-benefits
      1. ↑ https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/bacteriostatic-effect-of-lemon-fruit-juice-it8217s-potential-as-an-oral-rinsing-agent-2332-0702-1000243-103051.html
      2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10902-dry-mouth-xerostomia
      3. ↑ https://www.teeth.org.au/sensitive-teeth
      4. ↑ https://www.teeth.org.au/brushing-teeth

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