A BLOG FROM YOUR AFFORDABLE BUFORD DENTIST, LAKE LANIER
SMILES
Tooth Enamel is the toughest substance in our body but still
can get damaged by the strong acids present in our day to day foods and drinks.
In this blog the doctors of Lake Lanier Smiles explain the causes, signs, prevention
and treatment of the Acid Erosion.
So what is Enamel? Enamel is the outer covering of the tooth,
which is whitish appearing and transparent layer. It prevents the much softer
tooth structures inside from extreme temperatures, harsh foods we drink and eat
and daily wear and tear. If we lose enamel we will be prone to get cavities and
have sensitive teeth.
WHAT IS EROSION
Enamel Erosion is a process where the acidic foods and drinks
we consume wear the enamel of the tooth making it prone for tooth sensitivity
and decay. Other terms we use are Acid Erosion, Tooth Erosion
CAUSES OF EROSION
Understand that there are other ways you can damage the
enamel like Bruxism (teeth grinding) and Abrasion (brushing hard) but this
article specifically explains the causes of erosion.
1.
Soft
Drinks consumption, most of the soft drinks/cola we consume has high levels of
phosphoric acids and citric acids.
2.
Sports
Drinks/ Energy Drinks, even though they have minerals added but they are very
acidic.
3.
Fruit
Juices, yes Orange juice is acidic
4.
Medical
conditions like Acid reflux, Bulimia can cause stomach acids to reach mouth and
damage the enamel.
5.
Chewing
on lot of Vitamin C supplements, as they have lot of acid in them.
6.
Eating
diets containing high sugar and starch like candies can be turned to acids by
the bacteria in the mouth.
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| SOFT DRINKS |
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| ORANGE JUICE |
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| SPORTS DRINKS |
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
OF EROSION
In the early stages of erosion you might not feel any
symptoms but as the condition worsens you might see the following symptoms. But
periodic check up with the dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles, can help diagnose
the condition sooner and address it.
1.
Mild
to Severe sensitivity or pain when eating hot or cold foods or when exposed to
sweet foods or drinks.
2.
Yellowish
discoloration of the teeth.
3.
Transparency
of the tooth will be affected.
4.
Cracked
or chipped teeth edges due to weakened enamel.
5.
Indentations
on the biting surface called “cupping”.
WHO IS AT RISK OF
ENAMEL EROSION
Basically everyone is at risk of developing acid erosion as
everybody’s diet has acidic foods. Even the healthiest of diets like having
fruits and vegetables can cause acid erosion. Here is a list of people who are
more prone for acid erosion.
1.
People
who eat lot of fruits and vegetables, as these foods have high acidic content.
2.
People
who drink lot of fruit juices or soft drinks or sports drinks. This is mostly true
in teenagers.
3.
Children
and Older adults are also prone to acid erosion as baby teeth enamel is softer
and older adults suffer from dry mouth due to medical conditions and
medications they take.
STEPS TO PREVENT
ACID EROSION
FYI, we cannot grow the enamel back once we lose, so we have
to take steps to protect the enamel. The main causes of the enamel erosion is
the simple things we eat and drink. We will let you know in this section what
habits we can change to protect our pearly whites.
1.
Avoid
highly acid foods and drinks from your diet.
2.
Drink
plenty of water or rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods and
drinks as it will neutralize the acids in the mouth.
3.
Do
Not Brush at least 30 minutes after you eat acidic food as the tooth get softened
by acids and by brushing will take away the tooth enamel.
4.
Use
straw when drinking fruit juices or any acidic liquids as it will bypass the
teeth. Also don’t swish the acidic drinks in the mouth.
5.
Drink
plenty of water throughout the day if you have dry mouth.
6.
Always
use a soft brush and do not use excess force when brushing. Be Gentle.
7.
Chewing
gum helps produce saliva and which will in turn reduce the acidity of the foods
in the mouth.
8.
Highly
recommend a Fluoride tooth paste and mouthwash, like ProNamel.
9.
Drinking
milk can help reduce the acidic content of the mouth.
10. Check
with your physician for treatment for acid reflux and any other medical
conditions.
TREATMENT FOR
EROSION
Treatment for erosion depends on the severity of enamel
erosion. If it’s mild, then bonding the tooth can help. If it’s severe then the
tooth can be crowned. Based on your
condition the dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles can tailor the best treatment
option for you.
If you
have any questions about your Oral Health or to make an appointment to see us,
Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable
Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before
Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are
conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105,
Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding
customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery
Branch and surrounding areas.
