How Erosion Affects Teeth

Keeping the dental enamel intact is essential in maintaining the health of your smile. However, food and drinks can cause this thin but tough shell to erode, especially if one does not keep a thorough oral care routine and diet.

Here are some reasons tooth erosion occurs and the consequences of it:

Tooth Erosion

When people eat acidic foods, acid can be left on teeth and cause the enamel to weaken. Drinking plenty of water will help to decrease the amount of time acid contacts enamel. Erosion can be caused by drinking liquids in high levels of phosphoric and citric acids, like fruit drinks and soda. Surprisingly, studies have shown that fruit drinks can have more erosive power than battery acid.

A diet high in sugar and starches may make individuals susceptible to tooth erosion. In many cases, dry mouth, medications, and even genetics can cause erosion. Changes in life habits can greatly improve a person’s defense against these common issues. However, environmental factors such as wear and tear, stress, or decay erode teeth as well. Over time, the dental enamel will thin, but erosion can still be prevented with proper care.

How to Protect Your Smile from Erosion

To defend against erosion, it’s important to maintain a reliable at-home oral hygiene routine to eliminate harmful bacteria and disrupt plaque. Adding fluoride to your daily oral care routine can strengthen enamel further. Those susceptible to erosion can ask our dentist if sealants may be helpful.

Eliminate highly acidic foods and drinks from your diet. If you plan to have beverages high in acid, drink them through a straw and rinse your mouth afterward with water to rinse away acids.

Snacking on sugary foods throughout the day can cause an increased risk of tooth decay. The mouth can be acidic for a few hours after eating sugary food or starches. Rinse the smile first and wait a few minutes before brushing.

Chew sugar-free gum between meals. The act of chewing enacts saliva production which strengthens teeth and clears away debris. Be sure to drink more water throughout the day to increase salvia volume and prevent dry mouth.

If you’ve already have experienced some enamel loss, a crown or veneer which can be made with tooth-colored materials for a natural aesthetic. Crowns seal the entire tooth and may protect it from further decay.

Protect your dental enamel by following these steps! For more information on how to combat enamel loss contact our dental practice today.