“Is drinking apple cider vinegar bad for your teeth?”
I typically drink a small amount of apple cider vinegar because of its health benefits. But I haven't thought about its effect on my teeth. Is this bad for my oral health?
7 Answers
Apple cider vinegar can cause erosion or loss of the enamel ( the hard outer surface of your teeth ). So a straw might help, and rinsing immediately after could lessen the possibility of damage.
I know of several patients that use cider vinegar for its health benefits. As long as it's only once or twice a day in small amounts it's not going to damage the teeth. Of course it is acidic. Certainly don't hold it in your mouth very long and a good idea would be to follow it with a drink of water or swish and spit with water to better protect you teeth.
I doubt you get much benefit from apple cider drinking. However, if you drink a lot of it, you can damage your teeth because the acidity will ruin enamel and soon the Dentin.
Contact time of the apple cider vinegar on your teeth is likely the major dental concern. Acidic foods are known to cause tooth erosion. Apple cider vinegar is not the most pleasant thing to drink, so it is unlikely that you are swishing with it. The best approach to decrease tooth erosion would be to drink it quickly in the morning before your morning dental hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing afterwards will remove the acidic remnants before erosion damage occurs.
Dilute with water apple cider vinegar and then drink it. Also don't sip it for a long time. It can be erosive on the enamel of your teeth if you are drinking it too concentrated daily. And also rinse out your mouth with plain water after you drink it. Don't brush your teeth immediately afterwards. So it's safe as long as you are careful.
Short answer: NO
Long answer: As long as you do not leave it on your teeth for a prolonged period of time, it will not cause any potential acid erosion.
Long answer: As long as you do not leave it on your teeth for a prolonged period of time, it will not cause any potential acid erosion.
Vinegar is a weak acid. Acid is bad for the teeth as it erodes the surface. How much you drink is not as important as clearing it from your mouth as fast as possible, as by rinsing with water afterward. You should use it as infrequently as possible.
