A patient with generalised erosion reports eating five lemons every day. What is the MOST effective dietary counselling?

Correct answer: B. Reduce the FREQUENCY of the acidic exposure

• A. Dairy helps buffer and remineralise, but on its own it does not address the causative acid frequency.
• B. Correct. FREQUENCY of acid exposure matters more than total quantity. Each acidic challenge drops oral pH below the critical threshold and it takes 20–40 minutes for saliva to restore neutrality. Five separate exposures across the day means the teeth spend hours in a demineralising environment. Reducing the number of episodes — and confining acid to mealtimes — is the single most effective change. Supplementary advice: rinse with water afterwards, use a fluoride or neutralising rinse, and avoid holding or swishing the acid.
• C. Brushing immediately after an acid challenge is actively HARMFUL — the softened enamel is abraded away. Wait at least 30–60 minutes.
• D. Sipping lemonade through the day INCREASES frequency, making the problem worse.