Tooth Erosion
Tooth Erosion Can Be Prevented With These Steps:
Tooth erosion occurs when the enamel protecting the teeth is worn away by acid. The enamel covers and protects the teeth. It is composed of hard and calcified tissue and is the hardest substance in the body. If it wasn't for the strength of the enamel coating, the inner part of the teeth would be exposed to a wide variety of bacteria that would completely destroy the teeth.
The saliva in our mouth contains calcium. Calcium helps to strengthen and mineralize the teeth; however, when a great deal of acid is present, mineralization cannot occur. Tooth erosion can be caused by the high amount of acid in the food and drink you consume. Soft drinks and pure fruit juices contain a high amount of acid. Drinking these types of beverages can be very hard on your teeth and, in some cases, cause extensive damage.
Tooth erosion can also be caused by a number of medical factors. Some of these include: decrease in saliva, acid reflux disease, certain gastrointestinal conditions and the eating disorder bulimia. Tooth erosion can cause what are considered to be mild dental problems such as tooth discoloration and sensitivity as well as more severe dental problems like indentions in the teeth, severe tooth sensitivity and even cracked teeth.
Tooth erosion can do severe damage to your teeth. The good news is that it can also be prevented. The Academy of General Dentistry offers several tips to prevent tooth erosion.
Some of these include:
• Always rinse your mouth out with water after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages. This will neutralize the acid that has accumulated in your mouth.
• Cut back on the amount of carbonated drinks that you consume and try replacing them with water, milk or un-sweetened coffee or tea.
• Always use a straw when drinking carbonated juice or acidic beverages. A straw sends the liquid directly to the back of the mouth, instead of washing over the teeth.
• Don't swish acidic liquids around or hold them in your mouth. Instead, swallow them quickly so it minimizes the exposure to your teeth.
• Chewing sugar-free gum can help in your teeth in two different ways. It can reduce dry mouth and stimulate saliva flow which helps allow your teeth to mineralize as they are supposed to. Chewing sugar-free gum also acts as a cleansing agent, as the gum is gently brushing along the surface of your teeth and removing surface debris.
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush and always use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps reduce tooth sensitivity and provides other benefits as well.
• Use dental floss at least once daily.
Tooth erosion can occur several different ways. If you suspect that you might have tooth erosion, talk to Dr. Garpetti or Dr. Tyng to determine if that is an issue. The can advise you of dental products that are designed to help with sensitivity that is caused by tooth erosion. They can also help to correct any damage that your teeth have currently sustained.
We hope you find this web site useful and invite you to contact us with your questions at any time.
Call us at 208-377-2160
