🍅 How Acidic Are Tomatoes for Teeth?

Tomatoes are famous for their vivid color, juiciness, and the fact that they can be used in different dishes. The source of vitamins and antioxidants, tomatoes are quite widespread among vegetables and fruits. They are really good for health since they are full of vitamin C, potassium, lycopene and have benefits for health and can give your diet the flavor that it needs. Just like other fruits that are acidic, tomatoes are not exception. This article will uncover the subject of the acidity of tomatoes and its impact on teeth and also provide good ways to consume tomatoes for tooth-safe enjoyment.

🔬 Why Are Tomatoes Acidic?

Tomatoes contain a number of organic acids, like citric acid and malic acid, which are responsible for the tomatoes’ sour taste. Citric acid is the most erosive of these compounds and hence, is more damaging to tooth enamel if it is consumed in large amounts or frequently. However, the acidity level of tomatoes is much lower than that of, for example, lemons and oranges, but still lower than about pH 4.0, at which they can erode enamel if used regularly. Moreover, the enamel of teeth might be corroded, leading to the intake of an excessive quantity of it over a very long period of time.

The pH of fresh tomatoes is from 4.0 to 4.6, so they possess a dangerous level of acidity to can affect enamel and, consequently, cause dental diseases such as caries and sensitivity in the mouth. Especially, if you make your diet full of tomato-focused products like sauces and drinks and then add frequent snacking on top, this will play a joke on your dental health.

Instead of processed ones, it is better to go for fresh tomatoes as they have no hidden sugars or other preservatives that may make them more sour.

Rinse your mouth with water after eating tomatoes to remove any resulting acids and sugar.

Tips to Protect Your Teeth While Eating Tomatoes

• Rinse your mouth with water after eating tomatoes to remove any resulting acids and sugar.
• If you drink tomato juice, finish it at one time and do not sip it throughout the day, because this will reduce the amount of acid that the teeth are exposed to for a long time. Be sure to wash your mouth again after that.
• Wait for 30 minutes after eating tomatoes before you brush your teeth so the enamel gets the chance to harden. This is the way to make sure that the damage occurring to the enamel due to the erosion from the acidity is stopped and no more damage is being done.
• Instead of processed ones, it is better to go for fresh tomatoes as they have no hidden sugars or other preservatives that may make them more sour.
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating tomatoes to remove any resulting acids and sugar.

🍅 Final Thoughts from Lema Dental Clinic

Although tomatoes are excellent for your health and provide necessary vitamins and antioxidants, they are typically highly acidic and can negatively impact your teeth with excessive consumption. To avoid risks of damage to enamel and the appearance of tooth sensitivity, it is highly important to adhere to the simple steps of oral rinsing after the tomato meal, consumption of the vegetable along with teeth-friendly foods, and waiting for some time before you brush. Thus, you will not suffer the damaging effects of tomatoes on your enamel and at the same time, you will be sure that you are still getting the benefits of tomatoes that will take care of your teeth health.