Our Dentists in Methuen Explain the Feeling of "Spinach Teeth"
Spinach is loaded with nutrients and is considered to be one of the most nutrient-dense foods. This vegetable, however, sometimes causes an unpleasant effect on our teeth after eating it. Have you ever noticed this odd, gritty feeling all over your teeth after eating spinach? Well, you’re not alone; all spinach lovers out there share the same sentiments. But, why do our teeth feel like this? Here’s an explanation why this healthy food causes ‘Spinach Teeth’ from our dentists in Methuen.
What is Spinach Teeth?
This gritty, fuzzy, or chalky feeling on your teeth is popularly called ‘Spinach Teeth’ -- usually common, but a harmless side effect of eating spinach. This is usually caused by high level of oxalic acid in spinach causing some unpleasant effects on your teeth. Spinach contains a high amount of oxalic acids which contain small crystals that do not dissolve in water. These oxalate crystals are released from spinach as you chew, coating the teeth, resulting in that chalky or gritty feeling.
How to Get Rid of Spinach Teeth
If you're worried that the acid might erode your tooth enamel, fear not! You can get rid of ‘spinach teeth’ by just simply brushing your teeth. Yes, that simple!
However, if you are asking for tips on how to reduce oxalic acid in spinach, you might want to consider trying a number of ways to do that. It is important to keep in mind that the oxalic acid content in spinach depends on how it is prepared, be it cooking, frying, or just simply boiling the spinach.
· For raw and cooked spinach, squeeze some lemon juice over the top to help dissolve the acid and reduce oxalic acid from coating your teeth.
· Cook or blanch the spinach. The more you cook the spinach, the more neutral it will become; the less acid there will be in it.
For more fun facts about certain foods and how they affect your teeth, don't hesitate to ask our dentists in Methuen! Give our office a call at (978) 683-3343 to schedule your routine cleaning appointment today.