Whether you’re an adult or a child, a trip to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience. One surefire way of keeping dental appointments to a minimum is by watching what you drink.
As a lover of that refreshing citrus beverage who is also particular about their oral health, you wonder, does orange juice stain teeth? I did some research and here’s what I found!
Does Orange Juice Stain Teeth?
Orange juice is acidic and contains a high amount of sugar that can strip off the teeth’s natural protective covering. Once orange juice has successfully weakened the enamel, discoloration can occur due to the food coloring. To prevent stains and tooth damage, you should brush your teeth thirty minutes to an hour after drinking orange juice.
If you want to learn more about orange juice staining, the ideal time to brush after drinking a citrus beverage, and much more, keep on reading!
Why Does Orange Juice Stain Teeth?
Since orange juice is acidic, it can strip off the tooth’s protective covering, making it susceptible to stains.
The sugar content of store-bought orange juice is considerably high to make it tastier and more attractive to customers. However, this sugar can increase acidity in the mouth.
As the pH level of the mouth decreases, the enamel slowly deteriorates making the teeth vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.
Additionally, orange juice ranges from bright orange to yellow in color. When your teeth have little to no enamel, these color additives can easily cause staining.
Does Orange Juice Ruin Your Teeth?
Too much orange juice can ruin your teeth.
The sugar in orange juice enhances its acidity which can erode your enamel quickly and nurture the development of cavities.
As a result, orange juice reduces tooth enamel hardness by up to 84%. Once the enamel is damaged, the orange juice coloring can stain the teeth.
Does Orange Juice Whiten Teeth?
Yes, orange juice can whiten teeth.
Orange juice is rich in vitamin C which can help remove teeth stains and plaque build-up and give your teeth an even color.
Additionally, it is also capable of reducing the chances of developing cavities. It ensures that you have healthy gums.
As long as orange juice is consumed in moderation, it will whiten the teeth and improve oral health.
How Can I Drink Orange Juice Without Damaging My Teeth?
You can drink orange juice without damaging your teeth by maximizing your water intake.
Drinking water immediately after consuming something acidic can help wash down the acid and neutralize the mouth’s pH level.
You can also use a straw to minimize the juice’s contact with your teeth. Drinking orange juice quickly can also help, rather than letting it linger in your mouth for a taste.
Does Orange Juice Make Teeth Yellow?
Yes, orange juice can make your teeth yellow.
Citrus juices can strip away your teeth’s enamel due to their pH level. This exposes your dentin, which has a naturally yellow appearance.
Additionally, since the protective covering of your teeth is weakened, the added colorings in orange juice can easily assimilate. This makes your teeth appear more yellow.
Should I Brush My Teeth After Drinking Orange Juice?
No, you should avoid brushing your teeth immediately after drinking orange juice.
Citrus drinks are acidic and can soften the enamel for an hour. If you brush your teeth within that period, you may damage your teeth.
How Long Do You Have To Wait After Brushing To Drink Orange Juice?
You should wait for about thirty minutes to an hour after brushing to consume a glass of orange juice.
This ensures that the sodium lauryl sulfate has been washed off and diluted by your saliva. Your jumbled taste buds will have the time to adjust and you won’t taste the extreme bitterness that temporarily comes with SLS.
What Happens If You Drink Orange Juice Immediately After Brushing Your Teeth?
Drinking orange juice immediately after brushing your teeth will leave a bitter taste in your mouth.
Toothpaste has a particular surfactant known as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It is responsible for spreading foam and cleaning your teeth.
However, it also temporarily inhibits the functions of the taste buds. It suppresses the sweet receptors while breaking down phospholipids that block the flavors of bitterness.
As a result, SLS prevents you from tasting the refreshingly sweet flavor of orange juice and enhances your perception of its usually subtle bitter flavor.
Should You Rinse Your Mouth Right After Drinking Orange Juice?
You shouldn’t brush your teeth immediately after drinking orange juice, but rinsing with water is recommended.
This is because when you drink a glass of orange juice, there is an acid residue left in the mouth and the surface of the teeth.
Rinsing with water can help you flush down and eliminate this remaining acid. If left alone, it can transform the mouth into a breeding ground for bad bacteria.
If you want to learn more about orange juice, you can see our related posts on why orange juice is yellow, if orange juice is acidic, and whether orange juice is a solution.
Conclusion
Orange juice contains vitamin C which can help prevent plaque, remove stains, and improve your oral health.
However, consuming too much orange juice can damage your tooth enamel and cause discoloration due to the acidity level and high amounts of sugar.
To prevent further damage, you can drink orange juice using a straw and rinse your mouth after consuming this beverage.