Modern day dentistry is seeing a crisis that is just starting to appear in the mouths of North American adults and children. There has always been wearing away of the enamel due to age, the simple act of chewing food, and even the acids found naturally in your mouth. This current phenomenon, however, is called acid erosion; it thins and weakens the enamel, but it is a self-inflicted condition.
Causes Of Acid Erosion
Surprisingly, acid erosion is the result of a modern diet and a busy lifestyle combined with the wrong beliefs about oral hygiene. While things like soda pop and sugary treats do contribute to acid erosion, dentistry professionals also warn it comes from healthy diets as well. Foods and beverages such as fruit juice, ketchup, citrus fruits, and salad dressings soften the enamel of your teeth. Look for foods high in citric acid and acetic acid. Another big cause of this problem is the increasing popularity in drinks such as coffee and sports drinks.
How To Recognize The Problem
With one out of every 15 Americans suffering from acid erosion, this is definitely something you want to keep an eye on. If you notice pain when you eat or drink things that are hot (such as coffee), cold (items such as ice cream), or extremely sweet, your teeth likely have thinned enamel. One of the best ways to know for certain is to have regular dental checkups from your dentistry professional. Also, don't be afraid to talk to your dentist if you have any concerns.
Preventing This Malady
If you ask your dentist what you and your children can do to prevent acid erosion, he or she will tell you an answer you don't normally hear in dentistry: Don't brush your teeth! While this sound odd, brushing your teeth right after eating or drinking acidic foods actually wears away the softened enamel. This means you not only get rid of the plaque and remains of your meal, but you also take a fine layer of enamel with it.
Wait at least 30 minutes after consuming harmful foods before you brush your teeth. This allows the enamel to re-harden. In some instances, your dentist may be able to use sealants to protect your teeth from further damage. You might also want to reconsider the type of toothpaste you use. Acid-neutralizing re-mineralizing toothpaste available through your dentist can prevent the softening of the enamel and prevent the erosion. Finally, try to limit your consumption of sports drinks and other highly acidic foods.
Dentistry professionals insist the prevention of acid erosion begins very early in life. By simply making a visit to your dentist on a regular basis and letting the enamel on your teeth harden before brushing can prevent this problem and allow you to enjoy solid, healthy teeth.
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