Dealing with Dental Erosion
Tooth erosion or dental erosion is the permanent loss (erosion) of the part of the tooth known as the enamel; dental erosion is caused by some form of acid breaking down the tooth’s protective coating. The acid that is to be blamed for teeth erosion can be found in fruit juices and carbonated beverages; however, the deciding factor that makes dental erosion happen in the first place is poor dental hygiene.
Acidic food items and drinks are said to be the culprit for dental erosion; dental acid erosion is most common among children, although adults can still be hit with this condition especially if proper dental hygiene is not practiced. It should also be noted that the acids found in wine can cause tooth erosion – so you had better brush your teeth thoroughly after drinking a glass or two!
Dental acid erosion can also be caused by stomach acids constantly coming into contact with your teeth; if you have difficulties holding down your food and regularly regurgitate the stomach acids will come into contact with your teeth. Your teeth will not be able to withstand such vicious attacks from gastric acids, resulting to dental erosion in the long run.
Dental Erosion Symptoms
Fortunately, you will not be faced with the horrifying scene of opening your mouth and seeing your teeth falling out at top speeds when you have dental acid erosion (although that may come later, if you do not do something about your dental erosion issue soon!). The first sign of tooth erosion is the change in the appearance of the tooth (or teeth) involved; the color will change from being a healthy white to a dull shade, which can eventually turn into a yellowish hue. Dental erosion may already be in place if your teeth suddenly become extremely sensitive to cold and hot beverages or food.
Dental Erosion Prevention and Treatment
Dental acid erosion can be prevented by avoiding too much intake of acidic beverages like orange and lemon juice, as well as carbonated drinks. If you find it difficult to stay away from these acidic beverages, make sure that you swallow the liquid quickly; allowing the acidic liquid to stay in your mouth increases the risk of developing teeth erosion.
Regardless of the drinks and food that you consume, make sure that you brush your teeth regularly to avoid the development of tooth erosion; regular flossing should also be practiced so dental acid erosion can be avoided, or at the very least prevented from further progressing. Regular visits to your dentist for cleaning and checkups will also go a long way in making sure that dental erosion will be prevented – and that teeth erosion will be as far away from you as possible!
