Welcome to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, the podcast where dental expertise meets everyday health choices. Eon Engelbrecht of eRadio SA is joined once again by Dr Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile in Sea Point, Cape Town.

Today we’re tackling one of the most common but misunderstood dental complaints: sensitive teeth. We’ll explore why certain “healthy” habits — like hot water with lemon, apple cider vinegar, kombucha, sparkling water, or chewable vitamins — can actually erode enamel and trigger painful sensitivity.

And if you’d like to dive deeper, you can read OptiSmile’s article Chilling Truths: Unveiling the Secrets of Tooth Sensitivity for extra insight.

Summary 

(1:25 ) What does acid from lemon water or apple cider vinegar actually do to enamel and roots?

Acid lowers the pH in your mouth below 5.5, dissolving minerals like calcium and phosphate from enamel. Roots are even more vulnerable since they lack protective enamel.

🔗 See OptiSmile’s overview of Dental Problems and Solutions.

(2:55 ) Does drinking hot acidic drinks make enamel damage worse?

Yes. Heat speeds up acid’s effect and expands enamel crystals, making teeth even more vulnerable.

🔗 Read more in Toothache Troubles: Managing Dental Pain and Costs.

(3:34 ) Is a quick ACV or lemon shot better than sipping a diluted drink over an hour?

A quick shot is harsh but brief. Sipping keeps teeth bathed in acid for longer, which is often worse. Rinse with water afterwards.

(4:29 ) What about sparkling water or vitamin waters — do they erode enamel?

Plain sparkling water is mildly acidic, but flavoured or vitamin waters can have a pH as low as cola, making them highly erosive.

(5:43 ) What’s the difference between erosion, abrasion and abfraction?

• Erosion = chemical acid wear
• Abrasion = mechanical wear (toothbrush, nail biting)
• Abfraction = stress notches from clenching/grinding
• They often combine, causing severe sensitivity.
• 🔗 See OptiSmile’s guide on How to Deal with Teeth Grinding.

(7:00 ) Does intermittent fasting with black coffee increase erosion risk?

Yes. Coffee is acidic, saliva flow is reduced during fasting, and brushing straight after polishes away softened enamel.

(8:25 ) Is swishing lemon water or kombucha before swallowing a hidden villain?

Yes. Swishing spreads acid into every crevice and prolongs contact, like giving your teeth an acid bath. Best to swallow quickly and rinse with water.

(10:10 ) Which is worst: chewable vitamin C, ACV gummies, electrolyte powders or sports drinks?

• Worst: chewable vitamin C (very acidic, pH ~2)
• Next: sticky ACV gummies
• Then: electrolyte/pre-workout drinks (citric acid)
• Least harmful: plain sparkling water (in moderation)

(11:47 ) How long does enamel stay soft after acid exposure?

30–60 minutes. Brushing too soon removes minerals before saliva can reharden enamel.

(12:35 ) If someone insists on lemon or ACV, what hacks reduce the damage?

• Use a straw
• Rinse with water
• Don’t brush for 30 minutes
• Pair acidic drinks with meals
• Use fluoride toothpaste or remineralising products
• 🔗 See OptiSmile’s advice on Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits – Explained, which also covers managing post-whitening sensitivity.
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That wraps up this episode of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth. A huge thank you to Dr Clifford Yudelman for explaining why even the healthiest-sounding drinks can erode enamel and cause sensitivity.

For more information, check out OptiSmile’s blog articles, like Chilling Truths: Unveiling the Secrets of Tooth Sensitivity, Toothache Troubles: Managing Dental Pain and Costs, and Teeth Whitening Tips and Advice.

Remember — it’s not about giving up everything you love, it’s about protecting your teeth with smart strategies. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and share this with someone who needs to hear it.

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Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.