For much of our lives we are told to eat our fruits and vegetables, but our healthy eating habits may be having an unintended side effect.

"When we eat foods and drinks that are high in acidity it softens our enamel," says dentist Dr. Shaireen Lalani.

It's a condition called 'acid wear' -- and it's a growing problem.

"Most people have never even heard of it and it affects anyone," says Lalani.

Fruits like oranges, grapefruits and lemons are highly acidic. Red and white wine, soft drinks and even bananas contain levels of acid that -- when in direct contact with teeth -- cause damage.

"In the early stages there's that slight sensitivity to hot and cold it does cause the teeth to yellow a little bit," says Dr. Lalani.

"You can see some cracking or chipping on the edge of your teeth. Your teeth do get thinner and more see-through as well."

Babies and children are especially sensitive to acid wear because their teeth are softer. The good news is, there are easy changes you can make in your daily habits to prevent the problem.

- Don't swoosh acidic drinks in your mouth.

- Drink things like juices and wine over shorter periods of time and use a straw to keep the liquid off your teeth.

- Wait an hour before brushing your teeth after eating acidic foods. The enamel is softened from contact with acid and you will scrub away the enamel.

Acid wear is not reversible. Once the enamel is worn away, it's gone for good.

While it's important to eat well for a healthy body, it's also important to know how these foods are affecting the health of your teeth.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low.