Public Health · single question

Which counseling advice is appropriate for the patient who eats lemons daily and has erosion?

  1. Rinse with water after eating, reduce intake/frequency, and delay brushing afterward
  2. Brush vigorously immediately after each lemon to remove the acid
  3. Suck on lemon wedges slowly throughout the day
  4. Switch to undiluted lemon juice instead of whole lemons
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Rinse with water after eating, reduce intake/frequency, and delay brushing afterward

  • A. Correct. A water rinse dilutes/neutralizes acid, lowering frequency limits exposure time, and waiting before brushing protects the temporarily softened enamel from abrasion.
  • B. Incorrect. Brushing right after an acid challenge abrades demineralized, softened enamel and worsens loss.
  • C. Incorrect. Prolonged sucking increases the acid contact time on enamel — the opposite of what's needed.
  • D. Incorrect. Undiluted juice is even more acidic and bathes the teeth directly.

Note: The source suggested 'switch to lemonade,' but lemonade is still acidic. The evidence-based advice centers on rinsing, reducing frequency, and not brushing immediately.

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