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The Dark Side of the Apple: What Drinking Vinegar Means for Your Mouth

Author: Dental Geek
02.27.15 / 1:58 pm

Alternative medicine is everywhere: acupuncture, herbal treatments, Reiki, electromagnetic therapy, Qigong and many more. I have, at best, a tenuous grasp on all of these practices. However, the use of apple cider vinegar as a “cure-all” beverage has been so prominent over the past six years that I couldn’t help but do some research on it.

I don’t use the term “cure-all” lightly, there have been some hefty claims about what apple cider vinegar can do for your health. Proponents of apple cider vinegar have said it can cure arthritis, cancer, head lice, poison oak, gout, tooth decay, high cholesterol, warts, athlete’s foot, acid reflux, diabetes and urinary tract infections. I enjoy a probiotic Kombucha every now and then, and love vinegar-infused foods, but I’m in it for the taste, not for the chance at these near-magical health benefits. There’s a longstanding debate regarding the actual benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar, but I’m here to dispel the myth that it cures tooth decay.

There are plenty of articles online that instruct you to use apple cider vinegar as a pre-brush mouthwash. These articles say by gargling and swishing the apple cider vinegar before you brush your teeth, you can help whiten your teeth and fight against tooth decay. The truth is this is the last thing you should do to promote oral health.

The danger apple cider vinegar poses to your teeth and gums comes from its high acidity. Braggs, the most popular brand of unfiltered and organic apple cider vinegar, clocks in with a pH level of 2.85. To put that in perspective, the pH scale runs from 1-14, any pH level lower than 7 is considered acidic. This puts apple cider vinegar above soda, about on par with lemon juice, and just under stomach acid and battery acid in terms of acidity.

Anything highly acidic like soda, grapefruit juice or apple cider vinegar that comes in contact with your teeth will wear down the protective enamel on them, leaving you far more likely to get a cavity. Simply drinking apple cider vinegar leaves your teeth in a dangerous position, but treating it like mouthwash and intentionally washing the vinegar over all of your teeth is even worse.

If you brush your teeth after using apple cider vinegar like mouthwash that will take the damage to an even greater level. Research done by the Mayo Clinic has shown that if you’ve consumed anything acidic to wait at least a half hour before brushing your teeth because of the weakened state of your enamel. Doing so before that will remove even more enamel. Regardless of the fluoride content in the toothpaste you’re using, the physical brushing against your teeth will do more harm than good if you don’t wait a little bit after eating or drinking.

If you still want to test out the potential healing qualities of apple cider vinegar, go for it. I haven’t done extensive testing on whether or not it cures a lot of the things people claim it does, but just know that it’s not going to fight tooth decay. If you do drink apple cider vinegar, dilute it in a tall glass of water for your mouth’s sake.

Dental Geek

Dental Geek

171 responses to “The Dark Side of the Apple: What Drinking Vinegar Means for Your Mouth”

  1. I think the safe way to consume apple cider vinegar is to dilute it. 2 teaspoons of vinegar and about 10 ounces of water is safe other wise you run the risk of losing the enamel on your teeth.

    • So you mean to say that if I dilute the apple vinegar n use it on my teeth then it’ll b fine?

    • Its in the bible how vinegar is bad for your teeth. Proverbs 10:26 “As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him”.

    • For a month (Jan. 2017), I had an intake of this Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar 1 TBSP , with 1 TBSP Honey, as cure for arthritis, uric acid, hyper acidity in the body system w/c caused inflammation, even cancer due to inflammation. I have read of the side effects of this apple cider vinegar, and comes out to be really true, for now I suffer my tooth aches. I do research now on how to combat this weakened tooth enamel and my toothaches. I’ve learned that eggs strengthens our bones and teeth and cures various health problems. I will have eggs now to cure my tooth aches/tooth pains. Now I stopped my intake of the apple cider vinegar, otherwise, i will suffer tremendous tooth aches every now and then, and it affects to all my teeth and it is very painful.

        • I’ve been taking 2 tsps. with a tbsp. of honey and mixing it with 12 oz of water 2x daily and my energy levels and gut health has improved tremendously! I also have been brushing my teeth a little bit after and using the MI Paste Plus that my dentist recommended but the paste was cause my teeth were decalcifying. I haven’t had any issues as of yet.

      • Hey. Brush your teeth with calcium bentonite clay and your regular toothpaste. It helps with toothache and restore your enamel. You can buy it at whole foods market or on amazon.

          • Incorrect, Recaldent is now able to restore enamel, go ahead and look up Casein Phosphopeptide (CPP) and Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP)

          • Yes it can. Order some GC MI Paste Plus online and it will help. My dentist recommended it to me and my teeth are getting better.

          • Oh Sarah, yes it can! I’m living proof of that! My God is a healer! God has created such things on earth for us to restore our health. Doctors are of help, but most of the time our health can be restored with many natural things. God’s part is guiding us to do the right thing, concerning our health, our job is to ensure that we listen to that small, still voice and that our health is balanced.

      • Senior citizen. Look up the work of Weston Price, he was a dentist who did actual research, cut back on grains, they contain phytic acid, eat more vegetables, but most important of all increase your Vitamin D. Consume cod liver oil all year round. Vitamin D acts as a hormone that regulates tooth repair. The teeth have a pumping action from the inside to the outside, pushing bacteria and acids and sugar out. If we eat unhealthy this stops and things get pulled in to the teeth. A bit of apple cider vinegar actually is good for the teeth. Increase Vitamin C and Magnesium too.

      • Don’t blame the apple cider vinegar your problem, your problem is a problem you had before you had apple cider vinegar, take a filter advice and go and get some vitamin C into you because you are suffering from a disease called scurvy.

      • Act mouthwash will help to restore the enamel…Speaking from experience here. Eggs sounds like a vary slow process.

      • I’m with u on that my pain comes and goes but when it comes as severe and I haven’t been able to get to a dentist for another two weeks and the truth just keeps on falling apart I tried everything from rinsing your mouth out with vodka to Orajel or taking ibuprofenNothing seemed to work anymore I just sit here in pain to it go away

      • Take tart cherry pills to eliminate the inflammation that causes arthritis. I couldn’t open my hands in the morning. I started taking tart cherry pills at night and within 3 weeks, I no longer suffered the pain.

      • Well thats even more acid in the Pineapple, plus the high sugar in pineapple, plus the honey which is pure sugar. Cant think of much MORE harm you can cause your teeth than a solution of corrosive acid plus sugar – so that’s a NO.

        • Normally sugar promotes growth of bacteria which then damages the teeth.

          However some honey has it own antibacterial properties so it isn’t bad for your teeth in the way sugar normally would be.

          Fresh pineapple might be technically acidic, but it is one of the few citrus fruits that alkalizes the mouth and has other substances that promote healing. So again not as bad as you might think.

          • I watched a dental continuing education course in which the dentist was going over how to screen for dental disease by asking patients astute questions about their diet. One patient with particuarly bad decay and periodontal problems reported they were confused why they were having problems as they were ‘doing everything right with whole foods diet’. They didn’t eat processed foods, or sugar, and brushed and flossed like nobodies busy. What they did do, was use raw manuka honey, multiple times a day, because well, ‘internet dudes seys it good for dental health because it has anti-bacterial properties’.

            Bacteria adapt, and find a way to survive. The only sugar I know of that doesn’t feed them are 5-carbon sugar alcholhols (xylitol and erthyritol). One day, we may end up finding they’ve even adapted to those… Until then, avoid simple sugars, in all forms. Wait at least 5-6 hours between meals with fermentable carbohydrates. And if you have dental problems, one may need to go further by restricting carbohydrates further while eating nutrient dense foods.

      • I use honey with it. Haven’t tried the pineapply juice but I know people who have.

    • Even a taste of vinegar seems to promote saliva flow in the mouth. Same as other acidity based liquids.

    • I diluted it too. Months later I bit into a cracker and chipped my front tooth. Be careful.

    • I drank 2 teaspoons of Braggs every 3 days for about a year and lost weight, but I believe it burned my mouth. A year later my mouth is still painful.

      • We’re sorry to hear that, Jeff! Hopefully this article gave you insight as to why that may have happened.

    • You don’t use apple cider vinegar full strength. Dilute 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of water.

  2. Didn’t even know that people drank copious amounts of vinegar until reading this– very weird but useful cautionary post.

  3. Seems like the problem is that everyone beleives everything they have heard. I am pretty sure it doesnt cure all of the ailments but may help in some form of prevention.

  4. What about kombucha? I’m addicted to the stuff but I’m worried that too much acidity is really bad for my teeth and stomach!

  5. I came across this article because I was researching if vinegar can help in reducing mineral deposits on teeth/the gumline (similar to how you would scrub calcium deposits with vinegar around your sink). What about this?

    • My gums and tongue are very tender since I started the diluted vinegar. I do 2 tbsp at bed time mixed with water.

  6. Oh dear, you should have done your research, I’m afraid this is complete disinformation! (i.e. a total inversion of reality). “Raw ACV is the only vinegar that is alkaline-forming to the body. All other vinegars (white, balsamic, red wine, etc) are acid-forming.” (Got that after a 2-second google search as I couldn’t be bothered to write it). Hence its amazing healing properties. I’m using it for pain relief on my wisdom teeth as we speak, and it’s working a treat!

    • “…alkaline-forming to the body.” – what absolute nonsense; in any case, you’re using an acid on your teeth, that’s the point – what difference would it make even if a substance could be “alkaline-forming to the body.”

      • Starskeptic, your name says it all. There is plenty of reasearch on the good that ACV does for the body and one of them is that it changes the PH within the body for a more Acidic PH to Alkaline. Where each persons levels are is of course individual.

        To say it’s aboslute nonesense means you haven’t read many published research papers or read much about it online.

        You are right about one thing. It is acidic going into the body. This means you need to protect the teeth’s enamel or it will errode it. One way to reduce the contact with teeth is to drink it with a straw. Rinse your teeth with water (mixed with or without baking soda) is also a way to help reduce the effects of the acidity on the teeth.

        Always make sure you are diluting the ACV and you can add lemon or Honey to help off set the taste if necessary. Good Luck!!!

        • Wow, lol

          So you guys really think something about apples makes a magical vinegar and no other plant does?

      • I was almost certain that baking soda neutralises battery acid – so i don’t yet see how vinegar can be harmful to the teeth if the ph is restored to neutral/alkaline with soda or salt?

        I know that many bacteria shrivel up like slugs when they come into contact with vinegar or salt …… wondering what the recommended ph for teeth is now – will check

    • All I know is my own experience – I had a horrible toothache, my whole mouth was hurting basically, and I immediately went to earth clinic to see if I had anything in the pantry to help the pain. I had Bragg’s ACV and raw honey. So I diluted the ACV and honey a little and swished it around my teeth. That was 30 minutes ago and the toothache is gone and has been for about 15 minutes. I don’t know if it was the drinking it or the swishing it or both, but it worked. Thank God. I think I will just try drinking it without getting it on my teeth next time to see if that works because the enamel thing scares me. Anyway, my 2 cents.

      • I was taking 2 Tablespoons a day straight and used a straw….put the straw all the way to back of mouth and my front tooth & back tooth chipped within a month of using it. It really upsets me bc for 1. I don’t have dental insurance and 2. The ACV was helping with my IBS, psoriasis, acid reflux and even cleared up my acne. Last night I used it like a toner on my face and hoping it will continue to keep acne at bay. Anyone with suggestions on how I can start taking it again with out damaging my teeth even further.

        • You can get capsules at you local supplement shop. Use a clean dropper and drop it in. Get the large capsules and take multiple a day. It’s tedious..but it’ll get the job done. OR do it the old fashioned way, eat salad or pasta with a blend of ACV and EVO to get a daily dose.

        • my teeth were chipping, past couple yrs, & realized i take Calcium with vit D in it, but MY LACK of VIT D, past 20 yrs….caused 4 teeth to brake off different spots, now rotten, b/c down to the nerve was exposed they b/c abscessed, but nerve dies once abscessed. I’ve been trying to rinse my mouth with counut oil & then realized recently, they sell special high PH (alkaline ) water, I try to rinse with nightly

      • my sister is a dentist and said that she worked on a woman who normally had good
        teeth and one of the back of her molars was suddenly completely disintegrated
        on the back side. She asked her….what the heck are you drinking. The lady said
        ACV…. additionally my sister told me that Arizona iced tea with sugar is THE most
        acidic thing that dentists have found as a normal drink. I do not consider ACV a normal
        drink although I have tried Braggs before and it is actually kind of tasty….remember
        to dilute! I wonder what Braggs plus olive oil would do to protect (or not) the teeth….

    • I learned in a lab that some weaker acids can have chemical reactions called alkaline(by comparison).However,that is probably after digestion.Also, dilution sometimes makes an acid’s reaction stronger.The acid in vinegar hits the teeth immediately before digestion,and probably has a reaction with the enamel.A chemist would be the one to clear all this up.

      • Not a chemist, but I did take chemistry… And I can’t believe not one person mentioned baking soda.
        Mix any kind of vinegar with baking soda and you get a bubbly mess. That’s the result of the acids and bases neutralizing each other. Just like those science-fair volcanos.
        I used to get sensitive teeth/gums using ACV (always diluted- be more concerned with an esophageal acid burn than some enamel loss) but I haven’t noticed it at all since I started spitting it out quickly and rinsing with baking soda (both with/without water dilution). I asked my dental hygienist and she agreed.
        This is a strictly anecdotal account… but also common sense.

  7. Hi! I am curious to ask you. My family practices alternative health and I drink ACV in a tea daily. Sometiems I brush after, but not often. I almost always drink water after though.
    Anyway, we fill a teacup with hot water, I put two tablespoons of ACV in and one of honey, and it makes a really good tea.
    I am also a really bad nail biter if that makes a difference. Will it damage my teeth?

      • I don’t know, but honey is sugar which feeds that bacteria that is bad for teeth.

    • Looks like all the stuff you’re doing is good for your Health and teeth, but however it looks like it is making you a nervous wreck, ha ha.

    • It’s lowered my cholesterol!!!!!! Hoping to lower the blood sugar but not seeing any results in that yet.

    • This is why I use it. I’m in my thirties and already have Barrett’s Esophagus. Because of my reflux, this is the only thing I have found that really helps me- using Bragg’s.

      • Ruth, I too have had acid reflux for almost 30 years. I have been on Prilosec for the last ten years. This year I had to get off the Prilosec and my stomach crashed horribly. Thanks to some reseach I started using Culturelle probiotics and in 30 days I have had no acid reflux and no symptoms at all. Thought I would pass this along to you.

    • Braggs ACV worked better to relieve my acid reflux than any antacid and it doesn’t have the side effects of prescription meds. One teaspoon in an eight-ounce glass of water brings blessed relief.

    • About half of my mouth is very very very sore. It’s hard to see my gums well but appear very red. I read swishing a tablespoon of brags raw apple cider vinegar in my mouth would cure an abses tooth. The first time I did it it worked great but a month later when I did it about 3/4 of my gums are very painful and inflamed . Started using antibiotics and oral gel yesterday but today no change. Getting tooth pulled in a couple weeks after gums are better. The internet is what got me in this trouble so as we’ve all heard don’t believe everything you hear on the internet.

  8. I have been taking 2 teaspoons of apple cider daily for almost a year now and I use it more as a preventive. My kids have been sick probably 15 time through out this time and I have been sick one time and I upped the dose to three times a day and it went away within hours although as of a couple weeks ago my teeth have become so sensitive I can barely eat. Win, loose. I’m thinking about buying capsules to put it on to bypass it hitting your teeth.

  9. Hi would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  10. I believe it becomes alkaline inside your body…
    Perhaps when it is only predigested in our mouth
    It still acidic … I am a dentist and just guessing…
    I recommend it to my patients to take internally
    In clear caps but not directly in the mouth..
    There are other remineralizing agents for that!!!

    • Since you are a dentist would you mind telling me if an antibiotic is going to resolve the painful sores I have in my mouth after swishing a tablespoon of Briggs raw apple cider vinegar in my mouth. I read on the internet it would make an abses go away and it did a month ago. I started having trouble again and used the apple cider vinegar again but now I have a very very painful mouth. Started on amoxicillin yesterday and using oral gel but too soon for relief yet. I did call my dentist a month ago when I first had the abses but they didn’t call me back and in the meantime read about swishing a tablespoon of Bragg raw apple cider vinegar in your mouth for an abses. It did actually work but this time it backfired on me. I would just like to know if these antibiotics should help. I would appreciate hearing from you.

  11. I have recently gotten obsessed with drinking kombucha lately and I’ve been wondering about the effects it will have on my teeth! I did get a cavity recently but who knows of the two are related.

  12. There have been some recent posts/videos on nutritionfacts.org regarding the effects of vinegar and apple cider vinegar on blood sugar, weight loss, and arterial health. These are based on the actual studies recently done. Definitely worth your time. Also, after drinking ACV, consider rinsing your mouth with sea salt water to alkalize it and get the acid out. I personally try to shoot the ACV down with a little water so as to have minimal contact with the teeth, kind of like taking a shot of liquor from a shot glass. Takes a little getting used to, but is a very efficient method.

  13. Really? Some one can put undeluted ACV in the mouth? Because this is what the article about.. although if you delute ACV with water we have absolutely different story, so any one who reads this should be aware of that

  14. I started drinking 1-2 tsps Bragg’s AC vinegar with raw organic honey every morning and it did wonders for my digestion for the past month. I even rinsed with warm water afterwards but I have already developed terrible sensitivity to my teeth and I do brush with Sensodyne toothpaste regularly. Is there such a thing as teeth guards to wear while drinking the ACV? I’ve Googled but have had no luck.

    • I would simply dilute it. I’ve had your same issue, as I’ve been taking it for years now. I wouldn’t boil the water, just get it warm. Two teaspoons in a normal size glass works fine, with your raw honey: perfect.

      • Wow that’s genius. I’ve been having this same problem and never even thought of this. Such a simple solution thank you!

      • In my original comment that’s what I was using. I always put a straw to back of mouth and it still caused my front tooth to chip and my back molar completely cracked.
        Now I’m hearing how Organic AVC can cause worms. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS, BC NOW I HAVE SOME SORT OF PARASITE & IT’s TAKING OVER MY LIFE. If I could add a picture to this you would see how bad my legs, back, arms, fingers, feet. Basically from my scalp to the tip of my toes have some type of skin eating bacteria and I can’t even go in public anymore. Been to 12 doctors and 2 hospitals. Had 2 stool samples that came back negative which I KNOW is a false negative bc I can see it. I’m far from delusional like doctors what to say. My while blood cells are highly elevated yet the doctors can’t diagnose me. I know the doctors CAN treat me……it’s just strange how the WON’T??? Hummmm Government Experiment!?

        • Sounds like an allergy ?
          I drank some st john’s wort tea once, and the next day I had a horrible sensitivity to the sun. I had a rare allergic reaction – st john’s wort is used for skin burns.
          So maybe it was the ACV, or something else? , that yiur guns reacted to.
          Also, if you had a bad infection, maybe the ACV could have inflamed the wounds similar to salt on an open wound?
          Best speedy recovery wishes for your mouth and skin !
          -Irene.

    • Using ACV for 1 month but now I am suffering pain in my teeth. ACV works to dampen my appetite but I will dilute it and keep it away from my teeth. I’ll try the sea salt, too. Thanks for all the input.

    • For some reason when I brush with Sensodyne toothpaste my teeth get even more sensitive!

    • I took 1tablespoon of avc now my bottom teeth are sore got to see the Hygienist.I hope it didn’t do anything to the enamel on my teeth.

  15. The reason I googled this and found this thread is because.I started drinking 2 tsps of ACV about a week ago and today I was feeling like my teeth were extraordinarily smooth.
    So now I find out why…great. Bummer.

    • I had the same experience after drinking a Bragg grape drink with Acai and ACV. Overall, I liked that my teeth were smoother and felt like maybe the drink had helped with digestion / fat burning. Then I bought a bottle of Bragg ACV with ‘The Mother’ and put 2 teaspoons in a glass of lemon seltzer water I also picked up, along with a dash of cayenne pepper. The feeling in my mouth is similar. And I decided to read up, finding this post.

      This reminds me of experiments I did as a child. Putting an egg or chicken bones in vinegar for awhile (a day according to this, http://www.kidzone.ws/science/egg.htm) results in soft (rubbery) shells and bones.

      Would not be surprised if similar reaction described in link above is occurring in teeth.

      Previously, I did a 4 day fast, and lost weight and felt I was metabolizing fat better. I think I will cool it with the ACV and water. Will not do daily, but maybe weekly or monthly – to use up my investment in ACV. On the other hand, tooth problems are scary, much cheaper to pitch bottle of ACV than try to use it up. Would rather just fast for its health benefts vs. damaging teeth for ACV benefits.

  16. In the beginning the article was interesting, then I see all he has is a degree in English, he is just a simple writer……how would he know anything about dentistry without any type of Medical Degree, and or a Practice.

    • Maybe he isnt in dentistry and doesnt have a degree but does any parent need a degree in child care to be good parents? No they do not. Having seen my dentist two days ago, she was very adamant when she told me to stay away from ACV. Explaining all that was stated in his passage.

  17. I’ll have to add my 2 cents here, which is all replies are, generally. And by doing this I’m going complicate the matter. I wouldn’t say it’s a “cure all,” but it is very useful. I’ve been using ACV for years now for energy as I suffer from fatigue when I don’t. I wouldn’t argue that it’s “healing” anything, but I can absolutely feel a difference when I use it. From my understanding – which isn’t very “scientific,” which none of the above replies that I’ve read, nor the article itself, is anyhow – is: It’s very alkaline once it get’s in our bodies, and helps digest our food with more “efficiency.” Though, it is indeed acidic, obviously, outside of our bodies, and, importantly, it’s still very acidic when in our mouths. I have seen a slow deterioration in my enamel since using it. Though I’m 32 and haven’t had any cavities. So, I would definitely suggest trying it for issues of energy, and even weight-loss, always taking it right before (seconds) you eat. And I definitely dilute it at this point in my life. Two teaspoons in a glass of warm water with a little honey works fine. I’m of the belief that if you eat good, real food (and every ‘merican has a different opinion on what this is) right after taking it, the food helps your teeth out by re-coating them with minerals etc.

  18. I think if you use a straw to drink the apple cider vinegar mixed with water, it will be fine for the teeth.

    • Sorry but it still effects your teeth. Believe me I chipped front tooth & back tooth cracked in half. And I was using a straw and then chased it down with water.

  19. OK, I’m a dental hygienist who likes to use natural remedies whenever possible. I just did my own experiment with pH strips. White vinegar and Spectrum apple cider vinegar both tested acidic at 4. However, 20 seconds after ingesting 1 tsp, my saliva measured at 7.4, 30 seconds later at 7.6, 3 minutes at 7.6. I had to switch to a different kind of strip because I ran out of the others, but after 25 minutes my saliva is still testing at pH7. I just wouldn’t recommend brushing your teeth for at least 20 seconds after ingesting it.

  20. I had a sebaceous cyst on my scalp. I read that apple cider vinegar was good for that. I gave it a try. I soaked a thick bounty paper towel with Apple Cider vinegar and scrubbed the cyst in the shower. Immediately I felt stinging–but good stinging like you are cleaning a cut. I did this in the shower for a few days, sometimes twice a day, and it dried up and became a scab I picked off. No more cyst.

    Now using it as a mouth rinse sounds risky. I’m not convinced it is safe yet. Ingesting it, I think is okay if you dilute it.

    I highly doubt anyone is guzzling apple cider vinegar. I always liked vinegar and a small swig of apple cider vinegar out of the bottle gives me goose bumps and makes me shiver. I can down more whiskey straight than apple cider vinegar.

    I think it burns fat and lowers blood sugar. If you disagree that is fine. My advice is dilute the stuff first.

  21. well.what about eating with it?
    lots of time i make reductions or other sauces and i deglaze the pan with balsamic or acv…
    when i add that sauce to food …im killing my teeth?
    i also add it a variety of dishes im the cooking process and make aoli with it..
    so any of these food items where acv or some vinegar was added will destroy my teeth?

    • I ate a big salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar every day for years and had no dental problems with it at all. Could vegetables possibly neutralize the acid? When I read about the benefits of ACV, I started using it instead. I still have very healthy teeth and gums and I am over 60 years old. I do have reservations about drinking the vinegar, even if it is diluted with water. I wonder if the problems people are having is dose related. Perhaps a sprinkle on a salad is quite different from drinking a tablespoon of acid.

  22. i just ate some chicken with a sauce that had acv in it..i just came across this article afterwards..
    please tell me what to do so i dont kill my teeth..

  23. I have been using apple cider vinegar and it is incredibly helpful for moving lymph. However also working on healing teeth and want to make sure it doesn’t hurt my teeth. I think I am going to dilute it, get straws, and also swish my mouth with baking soda water afterwards to alkalize.

  24. I v been drinking acv for about 5days and already have two small mouth ulcers and sensitive teeth … I thought my teeth became sensitive because I am drinking it like a tea .. But now I see by everybodies post it’s the acv … I have drank it before and my eyes used to water for no reason … Now I also feel shooting pains in my ear .. But I always feel energetic and motivated when drinking acv and my face looks clear and I lose my appetite for over eating and sugary food … I guess I will drink with a straw and and drink more water throughout the day ..

  25. I’m sure there is truth in this, I have been addicted to drinking ACV in water throughout the day, and my last two dentist visits revealed a mouth full of cavities!

  26. 1) What about diluting a small amount of ACV in a glass of water and drinking through a glass straw?

    2) It might make sense to brush teeth before ACV as well as a bit more protection. Would this provide a slight barrier?

  27. Drinking Apple cider damaged the inner part of my front teeth. It cracked and then fell off

  28. I was swishing apple cider vinegar in raw form because I heard it was good for me and then I would brush my teeth and use a mouth wash because my younger years I didn’t have the best oral hygiene and I really thought it may improve it and now it is worse my gums are deteriorating and have actual holes in them under the teeth and a little below them along with the fact they are loose and I will need a debridement and my cavities are worse then before I should never have followed what I read now I don’t have dental insurance and have to wait till whenever I can get it dumb mistake on my part I guess

  29. Everything in moderation.

    Use only once a day:
    Mix 1 tsp. ACV with 8 oz. of water… you may add honey for taste. Use a straw to lessen the amount of acid that may form on the teeth and gums. Immediately rinse mouth with mixture of 8 oz. of warm water with 1/2 tsp. of sea salt to deglaze the teeth and gums of the ACV.

    Drink lots of water throughout the day… 8-10 glasses. Limit amounts of soft drinks and other acidic food and drink that damage enamel.

  30. Had a bad stomach acid,also mouth acid was hurting my gums and teeth every night for a year.Start drinking raw ACV diluted with water every morning for past 7 years.Have not had a stomach problem since then and not a single tooth problem.Dentists been sending me home without treating (nothing to treat)with big shock at my age of 41 got perfect teeth.And also I do not get colds and flu.Thanks to rawACV!!

  31. I know this article is TRUE from personal experience. I started drinking 3 table spoons of Braggs ACV in 10 ounces of water for my morning tonic and candida cleanse. I noticed my teeth feeling weaker after a couple weeks. I could just “feel” the weakening. I’m very in tune with my body. So I started drinking with a straw and making sure not to swish the liquid in mouth at all and voila! My teeth re-strengthened and I still get the awesome positive effects of ACV for my insides.

  32. I just use baking soda with the ACV and water mixture to bring the acid level down and make the mix an alkaline liquid.

    • Does neutralizing the acid also neutralize the benefits of ACV (like not taking it at all.)

  33. I started drinking a tablespoon of Braggs ACV in 8-10 ounces of water first thing in the morning., before coffee and breakfast. I did it to help lower my chloresteral before my Fall physical., so I wouldn’t need to take any meds. It didnt lower it but as I was only on it a month before my blood work was taken, I may not have given it a chance. Now that Ive been on it for close to 5 months perhaps the next blood work will reflect a difference. However, the most amazing thing for me was that after only a month on this tonic, I no longer had the leg cramps I had had almost every night for decades! No where have I heard of ACV affecting cramps or blood circulation. Interestingly, I stopped for a week when traveling and ran out of vinegar—- after several days I woke up with a leg cramp and I have not stopped drinking it since!. Can anyone comment on this?

  34. Hey guys..plz help me out what should i do.. i have started drinkig brags acv 5 days ago 1st thing in thr morning 2 teaspoons of acv with 1 cup of water a slice of lemon1 cinemin stick and 2 table apoona of chia seeds..sombody told me this remedy to lose weight..wht i do is i jus bring the water to boil add lemon slice cinemon and acv in it..than pour this into the cup which is already filled with chia seeda..but after jus 5 days today i am feeling my lower front teeth r itchy..or but pain full or may b sensative..i drink it with straw but it still touches my teeth ofcourse.wht should i do please help

  35. No, not brushing and flossing your teeth got you into this trouble… I occasionally have ACV in my diet. There are definitely benefits from consuming fermented foods and having a diet rich in variety. I do not do this more than once a month and usually that’s all it takes. Other than that my daily routine is as follows. I brush my teeth after breakfast about 30 minutes later or more and rinse with mouthwash (You know that product that’s designed to kill gingivitis bugs…) Then, after dinner I wait again, another half hour. This time though I floss first. I brush my teeth and gums with a flouride containing toothpaste front and back for a total of five minutes before rinsing with mouthwash again for about 30-45 seconds. Usually right before bed. I have had a major improvement in my health. This site like any other has trolls, research and protect your enamel. It will not regenerate. What your born with is all you get just like the neurons in your brain. If you really wanted to know the truth go have a consultation with a dental professional they are the best way to get to yourself informed. Vinegar itself is horrible for your teeth it’s common sense. Some benefits come from a wider variety in your diet and there’s easier ways to fight microbial growth. If you waited until your gums were pocketing and bleeding receding and turning color it’s your own fault. I know drug addicts that stay hydrated and keep their mouths cleaner than some people on here and that’s because usually addicts have poor hygene. If your symptoms are progressive and worsening Go See A Professional! Hope this helps not trying to argue just throwing in my two cents. Now if you will excuse me I have an appointment for my biannual checkup and cleaning, see you people later. Some facts: bad oral health affects your entire body. It is linked to further complications and stress as well as overall malaise and increased risks of infection and even related to increased risks of major health issues later in life. Again, don’t take my word for it go ask a professional. Don’t sit around pretending the problem will go away or get better on it’s own. It won’t. At the very least you will end up with dentures or other implants that are way more expensive in the long run. Uninsured I pay around one Benjamin per cleaning and consults are basically free. The responsibility is yours and nobody will be able to fix the problem past a certain point. Look online for those pictures of your future should you continue to let your oral health falter. I would rather work some overtime or get a second job for the money than lose my teeth. Btw fake teeth and implants are thousands of dollars and uninsured it’s even worse. You do the math. The procedures are painful and require all sorts of aftercare including antibiotics and pain relievers with analgesics. Which could be even more ridiculous for you in the longrun. Simple economics. I’ll stop ranting now. Hope this helps.

    • ‘What your born with is all you get just like the neurons in your brain. ‘
      new neutrons are constantly being made.

  36. I had been putting apple cider into my dogs water dish regularly for six months with the belief that her teeth would be cleansed of dirt, and debris that accumulated over her 11 years. Now her teeth look worse than ever. Food sticks to her teeth horribly.

  37. I had a bad but probably unique experience. I was gargling with Apple Cider vinegar and after a few weeks started to get a raw mouth. I had even used it in my water pic..

    Never knew the side effects. I still use it externally on skin blemishes.

  38. I’m not on the apple cider vinegar bandwagon, but I do eat salads daily with straight red wine vinegar to keep the calories down. I have noticed my teeth feel funny since I started this diet. I have read that brushing after eating lemons can be abrasive on tooth enamel so I can understand how vinegar can have the same effect. What I have started to do is incorporate drinking / swishing water after each bite. Hopefully this will keep my enamel in tact longer, though I know chewing the vinegar coated salad will act as a scrub brush on my teeth.

    It’s a shame that vinegar can be so good for you, yet in some ways bad as well.

  39. I’ve started taking ACV and lemon juice as an aid to alkalize my body, with honey so I can tolerate the taste. I dilute it with water as I would any squash/fruit drink.
    It struck me as logical to rinse out my mouth immediately so the acidic effects would be less on my teeth.

    I hope I’m right in doing this.

  40. I can vouche for that it works on stye. I got operated on to remove, came back, tried everything, but in the end ACV did the trick.

  41. I think after all the controversy it’s best to stay away from this product, some people swear by it while others curse it’s name. It is safe to say Apple Cider Vinegar should stay away from your mouth, and if you must ingest it, dilute it and use a straw or a capsule. If you want to clear up bacteria or whiten your teeth, use other remedies because Apple Cider is too acidic.

  42. I just rinsed my mouth with Straight Apple cider vinegar and it felt really good but I don’t hardly ever do it . I think I will go brush with some baking soda makes sense . If you’re just looking to shift your pH I have done apple cider vinegar baths , you smell like an Italian restaurant for a day or so . That’s not a bad thing . I have had an acidic stomach take an apple cider vinegar bath and it goes away , no problems with your teeth .

  43. I drink 1 tsp ACV in 6
    oz warm water with cinnamon as a detox sometimes. At dinner I drink it for digestion, making my body alkaline….and it helps acid reflux.After reading this. I now use a straw and rinse after dinner. My teeth feel fine but might be looking slightly yellowish, as they always have been . I put it in my salad too on occasion. After reading these comments for an hour, I am worried. Going to have a teeth cleaning soon! Thanx for everyone’s input!

  44. it’s true- i used it as mouth rinse for a few days and just last week i was chewing on regular gum and my tooth just cracked inside my head (i had a temp filling in that same tooth so it must have seeped through and caused further damage). i couldnt believe it! now im left with a sharp piece of tooth that might even cut my tongue while chewing. please be careful.

  45. I ate Salt & Vinegar potato chips last week for the first time ever. They were a “kettle fry” version and quite salty and sour. Previously I had only ever taken Chicken ones. Well, I woke up today and my back teeth were all loose, gums sore, and my two front teeth appear grey across the surface where my enamel is supposed to be and all quite black around the gum area. Prior to eating the S&V potato chips my teeth were in perfect order, no cavities and gleaming white. It is undeniably clear that the vinegar in these potato chips has destroyed my otherwise good mouth and irreparably altered my oral compass. And all it took was one serve. Beware.

  46. Well everyone if you drink coffee, milk, soda pop, chocolate, and eat starchy foods that hang around in your mouth and turn into sugar…ACV will be fine.
    If you are already acidic more than alkahlize just eat a non starchy vegetable diet for a week and drink lots of water to flush the acidic out of your system. Add almonds and sesamee seeds (i think i spelt that right) lol. Nothing else…Nothing else. Its only for a week. your body will feel a huge difference. Than you can add small amounts of different meat. Stay off sugar and fruit. When you add the fruit eat an apple sometime in the day it will cleanse your liver and you will notice a huge difference not to mention all your trying to do will drop on your blood test. Bad fat, Process Carbs and sugar, high lectins protein (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, coffee is what causes your acid reflex in the first place. Look up acid reflex diet and test if you need more acid or maybe your stomach is weak and can not handle acidity foods in the first place.
    For your mouth, your teeth will start chipping away if you’re not able to handle the acidity. Some people can and some people cant. Depends on how weak your teeth are in the first place. That is because of? Thats right hormones. Calcium also blocks arteries never take a supplement, you need leafy lettuce and vegetables to keep calcium in the bones. Go get help from a neutrisinist its worth the money stay away from the supplements unless the doctor says you need for a deficiency. There is so much lieing out there. It’s all about money and you all being to bussy making money to give it to the rich instead of your gardens.
    Sorry this was long but the truth. Good luck everyone! Some are more sensitive than others.

    • I love your comment! I concur. Eat a non-inflammatory, whole food, plant-based diet and you don’t need to worry about acidity. Ditch the sodas, red meat, and sugar. Eat your greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, and seeds. To our health!

  47. Excellent points. Agree 100% I eat an anti inflammatory diet. My urine oh at last Dr visit was perfectly in range of slightly alkaline. I’m going to checkout that list of foods you mentioned, thanks!!

  48. There’s a very simple solution to the problem of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rotting your teeth. Use milk as a mouth wash afterwards. Dairy contains calcium which is a buffer so it neurtralizes acid. I drink my ACV quickly and then immediately swish Kefir (a low fat cultured milk that is rather thick) around in my mouth for say 30 seconds. Then I spit it out. Why spit it out? Because you don’t want to neutralize the benefits of ACV in your stomach.

    Problem solved.

    PS: I’m a bit paranoid so in addition to the dairy wash, I also drink my ACV from a glass straw and try to keep the liquid away from my teeth as much as possible. Don’t take your teeth for granted! They are so very important.

  49. I’ve been using Apple Cider Vinegar with the “mother” for about four months and have to say I’m impressed. When I feel an energy low, I drink a glass with just a capful and within minutes I feel re-energized. I’ve dropped ten pounds, my blood pressure is optimal when it was typically a bit high. I consider this truly outstanding because I don’t lose weight easily, even when I put a lot of effort into it, but I haven’t really changed my diet or exercise regimen, although with the added energy, I do a lot more activity around the house etc…. Last but not least, I have noticed tremendous improvement in my wrists and joints. So for anyone considering it, I definitely recommend it! It is a very slow process, four months into it is when I’m noticing the most benefit, and when I skip a day or two, I definitely notice the difference in energy and pain levels. I do dilute it and rinse with water afterwards and avoid brushing my teeth for 30 minutes after to prevent tooth decay as this article suggest. God Bless and Good Health to all.

  50. idrink only teo teaspoos of acv a day, one in the am the other in the pm. i use a straw and dilute each serving in twelve oz of h20. i am starting to think that my tongue feels odd in a few areas. has anyone else experienced anthing tongue wise?

    • Yes I have been facing issues with my tongue. Both the sides of my tongue towards deeper side in the throat seem to have sores and they hurt especially when I talk and my tongue gets brushed with my teeth. It is really sore. I have been using ACV 2TBS diluted in three glasses water with a TBS of honey, half lemon juice and a teaspoon of chia seeds for past year and a half. It has worked tremendously in my weight loss as well as other health benefits but now for the past couple of months my tongue is sore and now my throat also tends to be sore for past couple of weeks. So I don’t know if I should relate this problem to this continuous use of ACV. If anyone else knows for sure please update so I can decide to give a long break to ACV usage.

  51. I have just started drinking 1 cup of water in the morning before I eat anything else, with 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar with mother and 1 TBSP Lemon Juice. Is that diluted enough? I hate to have to choke a larger amount down. Sometimes I add a drop or two of liquid sweetener to make it more palatable. Then I follow up with 1/2 cup Bone Broth.

  52. I started drinking 2tbsp in glass of water last week and now have five mouth sores, has anybody else experienced this, thanks.

  53. Hello everyone out there, I’m here to give my testimony about a herbalist doctor who helped me. I was infected with HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS in 2011, I went to many hospitals to heal myself but there was no solution, so I was thinking how I can get a solution so that my body can be well. One day I was in the river thinking about where I can go to get a solution. so a lady walked towards me telling me why I’m so sad and I open everything by telling her my problem, she told me she could help me, she introduced me to a doctor who uses herbal medicines to cure the SIMPLEX HERPES VIRUS and gave me your email, so I sent you an email. He told me everything I had to do and also gave me instructions to take, which I followed correctly. Before I knew what was happening after two weeks, the SIMPLEX HERPES VIRUS that was in my body disappeared. therefore, if you also have a broken heart and need help, you can also send an email to {oliha.miraclemedicine@gmail.com}or whatsapp him number: +2349038382931 or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/drolihamiraclemedicine/Contact him today and he will have a testimony … Good luck!
    Dr. OLIHA also cures:1. HIV / AIDS2. HERPES 1/23. CANCER4. ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)5. Hepatitis B6. chronic pancreatic7. emphysema8. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

  54. Dill Pickle juice already contains diluted vinegar in water, and salt. This can have some medicinal benefits according to several articles. Not sure how this would affect your teeth, but you eat pickles with your teeth so do not think it would be too detrimental in small increments. Also a bit more palatable then apple cider vinegar. I have drank both with no ill effects on my teeth. I used apple cider vinegar diluted in warm water, 1 teaspoon to warm mug of water. It helps for a variety of issues including a sore throat. But like all things in moderation…even too much water is bad for you.

  55. Am here to appreciate Dr.Timothy for using his herbal medicine to cure my Herpes virus. since 2016 i have been living with this virus and it has been giving me challenges, I was so perplexed cause i have been taking several drugs to be cured but all of my effort was in vain,one evening i was browsing through the internet then i saw several testimonies about Dr.Timothy curing people from Herpes virus and immediately i contacted his email address i told him about my sickness and he told me that i will be cured within 2 weeks he gave me some instructions and which i rightly followed. so he prepared a herbal medicine for me and sent it to me which i used for 2 weeks and everything was like a dream to me and my Herpes virus was totally gone why don’t you contact Dr.Timothy he is very good and honest. contact him via email address; goodhealthherbalfoundation @ yahoo. com or text him on his phone number +19194956404.

  56. This is really appreciated that you have presented this data over here, I love all the information shared. It will be very helpful to understand about the dark side of the apple what drinking vinegar means for your mouth . Great post to share, thanks for publishing this here!!Come across Smileconcepts.co.nz and hope you can visit this too to get more information.

  57. I have been suffering from Herpes for the past 3 years and 8 months, and ever since then i have been taking series of treatment but there was no improvement until i came across testimonies of Dr Ero on how he has been curing different people from different diseases all over the world, then i contacted him as well. After our conversation he sent me the medicine which i took according to his instructions. When i was done taking the herbal medicine i went for a medical checkup and to my greatest surprise i was cured from Herpes.My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Herpes or any other disease you can contact Dr Ero today on his WhatsApp him on +2348140916349 or Email: dreromoncaregiver@gmail.com Dr. Ero also cures: 1. HIV / AIDS 2. HERPES 1/2 3. CANCER 4. ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) 5. Hepatitis B 6. chronic pancreatic 7. emphysema 8. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

  58. Interesting comments. As a 70 something senior all I would like to add is do your homework to try and make an informed decision. Maybe give something a try for a short time and in small amounts to see how it works for you. Everyone is different. I drink apple cider vinegar diluted with water a few times a week for years. No problem. My mom swore by the “fairy tale” book and home remedies and rarely saw a doctor in her 104 years on this earth. Since I don’t have all her dna I do both. I also don’t go to the dentist like I should which is why I’m here in the 1st place. Anyway.. once I pulled a thumb nail away from the thumb. It turned black and blue and I thought sure I would lose it. After almost a month I read one of those healing remedies from the Bible type books and decided to try olive oil. Dipped my thumb in daily for a couple of weeks after which there was no sign anything had ever happened. Hey. Like I said, might not work for everyone but if not too dangerous sounding just give it a try. (Sorry so long winded.)

    • Hi Joyce,

      We agree that everyone is different and enjoyed reading your interesting approached to healing remedies! Thanks for the comment!

  59. Wonderful information, thanks a lot for sharing kind of content with us. Your blog gives the best and the most interesting information. I wonder if we can gather such practical information about the dark side of the apple what drinking vinegar means for your mouth . Great one!!Well, I have visited another site Papakuradentalworld.co.nz having some wonderful and similar information.

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  60. I loved your blog and thanks for publishing this about the dark side of the apple what drinking vinegar means for your mouth!! I am really happy to come across this exceptionally well written content. Thanks for sharing and look for more in future!! Keep doing this inspirational work and share with us.Come across Victoriadentists.co.nz and hope you can visit this too to get more information.

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  61. Take tart cherry pills to eliminate the inflammation that causes arthritis. I couldn’t open my hands in the morning. I started taking tart cherry pills at night and within 3 weeks, I no longer suffered the pain.

  62. You don’t use apple cider vinegar full strength. Dilute 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of water.

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