“Does lemon kill bacteria in the mouth?”

Not really, but it makes the enamel more fragile. I would recommend a straw. And good hygiene.

Ironically bacteria often uses acid as a waste by product to reduce competition for sugars with fungi and yeast similar to how wine makers will sometimes get vinegar from bacteria contamination rather than alcohol from yeast. The acid created by bacteria actually is the cause of cavities by dissolving the calcium minerals out of the teeth. Lemon is citric acid and it dissolves teeth at a much faster rate upon direct contact. This affect leads to transparency in the teeth and apparent darkening as the enamel (white outer protective layer) is dissolved and the Dentin (bone of the tooth) is exposed. On the other hand if taken during meals, lemon does provide the necessary co-enzyme of Vitamin C needed in moderation to prevent periodontal dental diseases such as scurvy. If taken during meals the citric acid is diluted enough to avoid injury to the enamel.

In summary lemon May kill some bacteria but not the ones that cause dental caries and rather than help in continuous exposure during non-meal periods it may actually injure the teeth by increasing loss of calcium.

No, lemon will not kill the bacteria in your mouth. It will just make your mouth taste a little lemony. You need to use something that is an antiseptic. For example, Listerine or a product similar to Listerine. There are other products available that will kill the bacteria in your mouth, or at least help control them anyways. But unfortunately, lemon is not one of them, it just makes your water taste a lot better.

Dr. Jensen

Maybe. But lemons are highly acidic and overuse can damage teeth.

No, lemon is acidic and can lower the pH in the mouth, causing enamel erosion.

No. It will cause progressive erosion of the enamel of your teeth if used regularly.