National Smile MonthBetween 12 May and 12 June 2025, the Oral Health Foundation will raise awareness of important oral health issues. Join the nation's biggest oral health campaign and help bring a smile to millions of people. This year the theme for National Smile Month is Feed Your Smile. Find out more Take part About National Smile Month Key messages National Smile Month 2025 Our partners Your oral health Top tips How to clean your teeth Diet and your oral health Oral health & general wellbeing Statistics Feed your smile Diet and a healthy smile Top food tips Smart snacking Hydration and oral health Top dairy foods The gut health link How sugar affects your smile Acidic foods and drinks The worst foods and drinks for your teeth Take part The Smiley Things to do Activities for professionals Activities for schools Fundraising Downloads Shop Acidic foods and drinks: what you need to know Acidic foods and drinks may be refreshing or tangy, but they can also cause significant damage to your teeth. When consumed regularly, these acids can lead to enamel erosion, making your teeth more vulnerable to cavities, sensitivity, and decay. Understanding how acids affect your smile - and learning how to protect your teeth - is essential for maintaining long-term oral health. How acids affect your teeth Every time you consume acidic foods or drinks, they temporarily soften the enamel on your teeth. This makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate and cause decay, while also increasing the risk of sensitivity and staining. Over time, frequent acid exposure can lead to permanent damage, as enamel doesn’t regenerate once it’s lost. What happens during acid erosion? Enamel softening The acids in food and drink dissolve minerals in your enamel, weakening its structure. Increased sensitivity As enamel thins, the sensitive inner layers of your teeth become exposed, leading to pain or discomfort. Weakened teeth Over time, enamel erosion can make your teeth more susceptible to decay, cavities, and staining. Common acidic foods & drinks Citrus fruits Why? Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are naturally high in citric acid, which can break down enamel if consumed too often. Tip: eating them in moderation and drinking water afterwards can help protect your teeth. Carbonated drinks Why? Soft drinks, including diet sodas, contain carbonic acid, which erodes enamel over time. Tip: drink with a straw to minimise contact with your teeth. Fruit juices Why? Even 100% fruit juices are acidic and can contribute to enamel wear, especially when consumed throughout the day. Tip: dilute juices with water or drink them in one sitting instead of sipping slowly. Wine Why? Both red and white wines are highly acidic and can contribute to enamel erosion and staining. Tip: drink water alongside wine to rinse away acids. Tomatoes Why? Tomatoes and tomato-based products (like sauces) are naturally acidic and can affect enamel when consumed frequently. Tip: rinse your mouth with water after eating tomato-based meals. Vinegar-based foods Why? Foods like pickles, salad dressings, and sauces that contain vinegar can be highly acidic. Tip: eat these in moderation and rinse your mouth afterwards. How to protect your smile from acid erosion Drink water after acidic foods & drinks – this helps neutralise the acids and rinse them away. Wait before brushing – after consuming acidic foods, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Brushing immediately can spread the acid across your enamel. Use a straw for acidic drinks – this reduces direct contact with your teeth and helps protect enamel. Chew sugar-free gum – this increases saliva production, which helps neutralise acids and protect your enamel. Use fluoride toothpaste – fluoride helps remineralise enamel and protect against acid erosion. Eat acidic foods with other foods – pairing acidic foods with less acidic options (like cheese or nuts) can help buffer the effects on your teeth. The bottom line Acidic foods and drinks are a common cause of enamel erosion, but with the right strategies, you can protect your teeth. Moderation, proper oral care, and smart eating habits can help prevent the long-term damage caused by acids, keeping your smile healthy and strong. Want more tips on protecting your smile? Check out our best foods for teeth guide! Manage Cookie Preferences