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Why Does Spinach Make Teeth Feel Weird

Why Does Spinach Make Teeth Feel Weird?

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Last Updated on November 5, 2022 by Lauren Beck

If you’ve ever eaten a spinach salad and then brushed your teeth, you may have noticed that your teeth feel kind of…weird. It’s almost as if there’s a film on them, or they’re slightly sticky. So why does spinach make teeth feel weird?

Turns out, it’s all thanks to oxalic acid. This is a compound found in spinach (as well as other leafy greens like chard and rhubarb) that can bind to calcium. When oxalic acid comes into contact with your teeth, it essentially strips away some of the tooth’s surface mineral content. This leaves your teeth feeling less smooth and polished.

The good news is that this effect is only temporary and your teeth will eventually return to normal. In the meantime, though, you may want to consider avoiding spinach right before you brush your teeth!

What is Spinach Teeth?

Spinach teeth is a condition that results from consuming large amounts of spinach. The high level of oxalates in spinach binds with calcium in the saliva, forming a substance that feels gritty on the teeth. While this condition is not harmful, it can be quite annoying. There are a few ways to prevent or reduce spinach teeth, such as drinking plenty of water or eating spinach with other foods.

Where Does “Spinach Teeth” Come From?

The terms “spinach teeth” or “ spinach mouth” are used to describe the sensation of having grit on your teeth after eating spinach. This condition is also sometimes called “ oxalate mouth.”

Can You Prevent Spinach Teeth?

There are a few things you can do to prevent or reduce spinach teeth.

  • Drink plenty of water: This will help dilute the oxalates in your saliva and you’re less likely to notice the gritty sensation.
  • Chew your food well: This will also help reduce the amount of time the oxalates have to bind with calcium in your saliva.
  • Eat spinach with other foods: This will help reduce the amount of oxalates that are available to bind with calcium.

Is It Safe for Me to Get That Weird Teeth Feeling?

Yes, getting the weird teeth feeling from eating spinach is perfectly safe. The condition is not harmful and will go away on its own once the spinach is no longer in your mouth.

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Can Eating Spinach Damage My Teeth?

No, eating spinach will not damage your teeth. However, if you have a condition that causes weak or brittle teeth, you may want to avoid eating foods that are high in oxalates.

Is Eating Spinach Harmful to My Body?

cooked spinach

No, eating spinach is not harmful to your body. In fact, spinach is a healthy food that is packed with nutrients. However, if you have a condition that causes weak or brittle bones, you may want to avoid eating foods that are high in oxalates.

Methods for Cooking Spinach

If you have a condition that causes weak or brittle teeth, you may want to cook your spinach instead of eating it raw. Cooking spinach will break down the oxalates and make them less likely to bind with calcium in your saliva.

You can also blanch spinach in boiling water for a few seconds, then shock it in cold water. This will also help reduce the amount of oxalates in the spinach.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Here are a few of the many health benefits of spinach [1]:

  • Spinach is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
  • Spinach is a good source of iron.
  • Spinach is a good source of magnesium.
  • Spinach is a good source of potassium.
  • Spinach is a good source of fiber.
  • Spinach is a good source of protein.
  • Spinach is a good source of antioxidants.
  • Spinach has been shown to reduce inflammation.
  • Spinach has been shown to help protect against heart disease.
  • Spinach has been shown to help protect against cancer.
  • Spinach has been shown to help improve brain health.
  • Spinach has been shown to help improve bone health.

Other Foods With the Same Effect

There are other foods that can cause the same weird teeth feeling as spinach. These include:

  • Beets
  • Rhubarb
  • Chard
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Citrus fruits
  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries

Conclusion

Eating spinach can cause a weird teeth feeling because of the high level of oxalates in the spinach. The oxalates bind with calcium in the saliva, forming a substance that feels gritty on the teeth. While this condition is not harmful, it can be quite annoying. There are a few ways to prevent or reduce spinach teeth, such as drinking plenty of water or eating spinach with other foods.

Reference:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/spinach
Lauren Beck
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