We as humans develop strange idiosyncrasies and habits, some which are benign others that have negative consequences.
Remember Marlon Brando, in the Godfather, as he chased his grandson around with a wedge of orange around his teeth? Well, obviously, the orange did not kill him but if he habitually sucked on those orange wedges, eventually his teeth would have dissolved from acid erosion.
Well, there are many people who enjoy doing that on a habitual basis, not only with an orange, but also with lemons and grapefruits. Is there a problem with this?
Not if your teeth are made of stainless steel!
Unfortunately, our teeth are not indestructible. This before photo is an example of someone who has acid erosion not only of her front teeth but her entire dentition.
Tooth Enamel: What is it?
The outside surface of our teeth, the enamel, is composed of an inorganic matrix predominately filled with calcium salts. Inside our teeth is another layer called the dentin. It is composed of approximately 28% organic matter and 72% inorganic (calcium).
Citric Acid Bath
So what happens when we bathe our teeth in an acid bath, such as citric acid from lemons or carbonic acid from soda?
The inorganic calcium salts are dissolved. The tooth becomes decalcified leaving a soft organic matrix that can be easily abraded away or invaded by bacteria and hence decayed.
A typical individual who has habitually been sucking on lemons will have lost the enamel on the front of their teeth and perhaps even display acid erosion on the biting surfaces of their back teeth. Drinking large quantities of soda will also cause a generalized decalcification of the teeth.
Little Red Flags
Incidentally, when you don't brush and floss properly and have a poor diet high in simple sugars, you promote the growth of bacteria which in turn produce acid and decalcify your teeth. Cavities!
There are also other situations in which acid can destroy your teeth, such as acid reflux, and certain eating disorders as in bulimia.
So the point being, if you are one of those individuals who enjoy that sour acidic rush from sucking on lemons, quit while you are ahead. If not, see a dentist to correct any destruction that has occurred.
In this after photo, the patient's entire upper arch was restored with bonded porcelain onlays and veneers. A Laser Gum Lift was also performed. Her lower arch will be restored the same way.
Florida Reconstructive Dentistry
Mitchell Pohl, DDS
2900 N. Military Trail, Suite 105
Boca Raton Florida FL 33431
(561) 368-3440
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