The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 01/20/2016
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Now and again, the subject comes up on this site of the safety of using Apple Cider Vinegar for the teeth. The concern is that the acidity of vinegar will harm teeth enamel.
Yesterday I tested the pH of a cup of coffee and a glass with 8 ounces of water plus 1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar. The pH of each was pretty close. Both were quite acidic.
So what this makes me conclude is that taking diluted apple cider vinegar in water is probably no worse for tooth enamel than coffee. Seeing that coffee is consumed in such immense quantity in our country, and I don't think there is an epidemic of tooth enamel problems from that, I tend to think that the tooth enamel concern with apple cider vinegar is not really a concern for most people. And for someone for whom it is, it would seem coffee would be contra-indicated also.
Just an observation and a few thoughts.
~Mama to Many~
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Jessie (Sacramento, California) on 01/03/2013
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I have been a Dental Hygienist for over 12 years and.... Yes, acidic foods and drinks do cause you to lose tooth enamel. This can contribute to sensitivity to hot/cold, sweets, touch; especially if you have any gum recession that causes the roots of the teeth to be exposed. An oral environment that is acidic leads to tooth decay as well. You may also notice yellowing of the teeth because as the enamel on the tooth gets worn, the yellow dentin (the layer under the enamel) will show through more. I would suggest rinsing with a mixture of water and baking soda immediately following the ACV. This will help to neutralize the acid. Do not brush afterwards, this will cause further abrasion to already weakened enamel. Also, it is best to drink the water and ACV quickly rather than sipping it over time. Each time you drink there is an "acid attack" in your mouth that can last for 20 minutes or so. Drinking it fast will limit the exposure time of the acid on the enamel. Hope this information is helpful.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Rafe S. (Tennessee) on 12/24/2021
Greetings all!
My first post on here after many years of reading all the wonderful information available from all you fine folks. I just wanted to say that for folks with tooth enamel concerns like myself, after I take my ACV and water, I take a half teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of water and rinse. The baking soda neutralizes the acids in the vinegar and protects the teeth. Have a great day!
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Mr. Ree (U.s.a.) on 06/19/2014
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Just a quick note on ACV usage...I have been using Braggs ACV since 1960 with absolutely no trouble with my teeth. I have a slug of it after I have a protein meal as it's a digestive aid. Of course I know it does many other things but just wanted to calm everyone down about their enamel peeling off their teeth after using it.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Doreen (England) on 03/02/2016
That is so true. It eroded my teeth enamel as well. I used to sip it every day. Now I use a straw and push it as far back as possible and swallow as quick as possible.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Cindy (Sterling, CO) on 12/12/2007
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I have a small glass of about 1/4 tsp baking soda mixed with water ready, then I take 2 Tblsp ACV straight. After taking ACV, I swish with water, then swish with baking soda & water mixture & spit it out to clean all ACV out of my mouth to protect teeth. ACV has really helped digestion and constipation.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Nathan (Portland, OR) on 03/22/2007
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Let me add to Dr. Yong's comments regarding tooth enamel (and point out why William Campbell Douglas was misinformed). Acid damages tooth enamel. Pathogenic bacteria in the mouth produce acid as a byproduct when they consume sugar. So when you drink ACV, you expose your teeth to acid. When you eat products with high sugar content, the bacteria produce acid. Neither of these situations is necessarily deleterious to the tooth enamel if the exposure to the acid is over a short period of time. Saliva is able to cleanse the mouth, and the pH returns to normal. However, if you sip the ACV over a long period of time during the day, the pH of the mouth is unable to recover, and as a result of constant prolonged exposure, dental decay results.
The same amount of ACV ingested over a period of a few minutes will typically cause no problems. Yes, we eat/drink acidic/sugary foods all the time (as the MD mentioned) but these are the things that cause decay especially if sipped or ingested in large quantities over long periods of time. Try to consume your ACV 3 times per day within a period of 5-10 minutes.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Mama to Many (Tennessee) on 06/14/2014
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I have seen concern expressed about the effect of long term use of Apple Cider Vinegar internally on tooth enamel. I have been using Apple Cider Vinegar for several years now. I put between 1 teaspoon and 1 Tablespoon in 16 ounces or more of water. I drink this almost daily, often several glasses a day. I do use a straw, but just out of preference.
Yesterday I saw my dentist. My tooth enamel is fine after using ACV in water for several years. Now, this is just one person's experience, but I thought I would pass along this information.
~Mama to Many~
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Carolina (Chicago) on 03/25/2014
From what I know "acidity of undiluted apple cider vinegar may destroy tooth enamel when sipped orally" and this is exactly what happened to me. Maybe for someone it works, but not for everybody. People like me that have thin teeth do not have a very big tooth enamel cover and it affects it very fast.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Dott (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Usa) on 12/13/2009
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Dilute your ACV with water, a couple ice cubes, and a couple crushed mint leaves..... and drink it through a straw. (Pretend it's a mint julip.) Then, brush your teeth after. Problem solved! ACV is an mild acid, but, I have heard that it is modified in the body by calcium, phosphate, magnesium and other alkalines; eventually winding up rather alkaline itself.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Veronica (South Connellsville, Pa) on 10/14/2008
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I began drinking the Apple Cider Vinegar several days ago. I LOVE how I feel from taking it but my only concern was my tooth enamel since I have read so many 'warnings' on postings, articles and advice pages.
I am using a recipe that I took from this site: Green Tea with Mandarin Orange, 1 Tbsp ACV, 1 Tbsp Honey, 7 drops of concentrated Lemon Juice and 7 drops of concentrated Lime juice (steeping tea bag until desired strength is reached) ... 3 times per day.
I am getting my friend started on it and she happened to have a dentist appointment today and so she asked him about it. She told him exactly what we are drinking and he said that the amount that we are drinking won't damage our teeth any more than the sodas we drink. He said that since we are diluting it, he didn't feel that we had any problems. He suggested rinsing the mouth within 20 minutes of drinking but NEVER brushing right away because brushing after eating or drinking anything that has a lot of acid WILL DAMAGE THE TEETH. That doesn't just apply to ACV but ANYTHING that falls into this category.
Then the dentist asked "May I ask WHY you are drinking ACV?" ... so she got to share that her crazy friend is insisting that she is going to feel better after drinking it. I can't wait to prove I'm right!!! ha ha
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Hope (Inverness, FL) on 06/10/2008
Hi. I absolutely LOVE the benefits of apple cider vinegar. However, I must warn people about drinking it straight. You must use a straw. I have been drinking it for about a year and my teeth are starting to wear down. I even have a hole in my front bottom tooth. Really weird. The dentist told me it was from Apple Cider Vinegar. So please use a straw if you drink it!
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Ellen (Florida) on 12/28/2013
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Just chew a big wad of dark green lettuce. Keep the chewed up lettuce in your mouth while using a straw to drink the cider vinegar. The acid will not be able to get to your teeth because they are coated in greens.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Averillh (Eastsound, Wa) on 02/13/2012
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Swishing with baking soda or another acid-neutralizer immediately after consuming ACV is the best way to protect your teeth. Brushing your teeth directly after acidic things have gone into or come out of your mouth can further the damage to enamel since enamel is softer then.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Siobhan (Fairbanks, Alaska) on 10/23/2010
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To protect my teeth from the vinegar acid, I swish baking soda and water around in my mouth after every dose of ACV. Usually about a teaspoon of baking soda to a mouthful of water mixed in a small cup does the trick.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Natalie (Decatur, GA, USA) on 11/20/2007
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... all of the acidic foods (Lemons, Tomato, Vinegar, ANY Citrus) are very bad for your teeth IF you brush within 30 minutes of eating or drinking them!! Doing so literally eats the natural enamel off of your teeth. My Dentist scolded me about this!!! So, Brush before you ingest.:) Then, Drink lots of water and make sure to swish around your teeth.
ACV and Tooth Enamel
Posted by Tom (Lansford, PA) on 08/29/2007
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Apple Cider Vinegar: I have been taking it for years. I read about it long ago and have been taking two tblsp every day along with other things... fish oil etc I love the taste and don't mix it. I'm 68 and have all my teeth so I don't think that's a problem.
