The Pros and Cons of Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the biggest health trends today is adding apple cider vinegar to your daily diet. Many claim that it has numerous health benefits including lowering blood pressure, aiding in weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels, and having antibacterial properties... just to name a few. While there seem to be endless health benefits related to consuming apple cider vinegar, there are also some negatives to take into account.
The downside of consuming apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid and acetic acid which gives it an average PH level between 2.5 and 3, making it more harmful than coffee to your teeth. At a PH of 5.5, teeth begin to demineralize which then puts them at risk for cavities and tooth decay as well as swelling and burns in the oral cavity. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the negative effects that apple cider vinegar has on teeth due to many online articles only sharing about the potential benefits like whitening teeth a
nd fighting tooth decay.
Can’t live without apple cider vinegar?
If you still want to keep using apple cider vinegar in your diet but want a way to lessen the negative effects, try diluting it. By adding one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drinking it with a straw, you can avoid having acid come in contact with your teeth. Another great way to add a little apple cider vinegar to your diet is by dropping a teaspoon of it to your salad dressing.
If you have any questions about the impacts of apple cider vinegar on your teeth or overall dental hygiene, feel free to contact Dr. Shane McDowell’s office at (239) 936-0597 or visit www.shanemcdowelldentistry.com.