If you do drink something acidic, using a straw can help protect your enamel from breaking down.
Have you ever thought about the surface of your teeth wearing away?
The breakdown of your teeth has three main causes: tooth erosion, attrition and abrasion. Tooth erosion is caused by acid, which compromises tooth structure. Your teeth may also be harmed by attrition when teeth are worn down from biting or chewing, and abrasion, which results from brushing your teeth too vigorously.
Acids are commonly found in many of today’s favorite beverages. Pure fruit juice and any carbonated drink, even if it’s a diet version, have a high concentration of acid. Choosing these drinks over non-acidic alternatives, like milk or water, can be one of the primary causes of tooth wear.
So, how do you know if tooth wear might be a problem for you? Watch for these symptoms:
- Pain
- Cracks and dents in the tooth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Yellowing teeth or transparent edges of teeth
What Can You Do to Prevent Erosion?
The wearing down of teeth is a common cause of tooth pain but is preventable with a few easy tips.
- Avoid acidic drinks. These can have a significant effect on your teeth. Keep your intake of carbonated drinks and juices to a minimum and try drinking them with a straw to lessen the drink’s contact with your teeth.
- Chew sugar-free gum. How can this help? The calcium that naturally occurs in saliva can combat acidic foods and beverages. Chewing gum increases your salivary flow, thus helping to rid your mouth of the acidic material before it harms your teeth.
- Brush your teeth. Gently brushing with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste after meals will help protect your teeth from becoming worn down as well as protecting them from countless other dental problems that could crop up in the future.
- Regular checkups. Take a proactive approach to your oral health and visit us regularly to have your teeth cleaned and examined.
