Having Lemon water has been practiced since ancient times and its various recipes have been passed from generations. Summer also calls for glass of lemonade which is the best hydrator and fastest refresher!

One can have lemon water anytime in the day, but recent researches state that having lemon water on an empty stomach or the first thing morning has array of benefits. A lot of people practice having warm lemon water with/ without honey as the first thing in the morning.

Let’s talk about lemons, one power packed fruit! Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, fibers and plant compounds. Lemons are best antioxidants; they boost immunity, metabolism, digestion and detoxification. But not to forget lemon has a Ph. 2-3 which is highly acidic and fluids with PH 4 and below have negative effects on teeth!

Having lemon water right after brushing actually means exposing cleaned teeth to an acid. Or you may even consider brushing your teeth right after consumption of this fruity juice is actually hazardous to your teeth!

Here is what exactly happens; acidic substances soften the enamel it weakens it leading to sensitivity, erosion (enamel loss) and cavities. This enamel needs time to recover. When you brush your teeth and have lemon water or juice means it is an acid bath on cleaned teeth. Likewise brushing your teeth immediately after drinking/eating acidic food means brushing away the soften enamel. You should wait for at least 30 minutes after brushing your teeth or after having acidic beverage so that oral cavity has enough time to neutralize the Ph. and stabilize the enamel. Healthy and strong enamel protects your teeth, or they’re more prone to sensitivity, decay or cavities.

Here are a few tips by which you can have the lemon and save those pearls:

30 minutes Rule:
Avoid acidic drinks 30 minutes after brushing and brush 30 minutes after having the beverage. 30mins is recovery time for the oral cavity to neutralize the Ph. and stabilize the enamel. To prevent the Ph. spike have foods which can stimulate saliva and help neutralize the PH e.g. Banana, apples or cheese.

Limit the amount of drink:
Limit the lemon content in your drink; avoid having very acidic or sour beverages. Instead of having lemon water in everyday practice, make it for special occasion. This will limit the exposure to acid and enamel will have time to recover and stay stronger.

Use a straw:
Using a straw can help make sure your lemony drinks go down into the throat with minimal contact with your teeth. Consider investing in reusable straws so that you can protect your teeth as well as the environment!

Rinse with water:
Reaching to a glass of water won’t be the first thing after having lemon water or your favorite lemony beverage. But water actually helps to wash away the remaining acid with is stuck to your teeth thus saving the enamel.

Fluoride application:
In cases where enamel is already weak and worn out we advise professional fluoride application which forms a protective layer on the teeth, help remineralise enamel & prevent further wearing away of the teeth. Use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash is also known to protect teeth from tooth decay and cavities.

Brush and floss regularly
The best way to keep our teeth healthy is to make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once per day. This ensures that there is nothing left in your teeth which can cause a problem.

Always make sure you give 30mins of recovery time to your teeth after having any fruity or acidic beverages like lemon, oranges, Alma, tea or coffee!