The Surprising Culprits Eating Away at Your Teeth

Dental erosion could possibly the culprit eating away at your teeth. This is the term used to describe excess acid build up around the teeth. There are many tell-tale signs that you may be experiencing some dental erosion. Luckily, there are actions to take to avoid and repair dental erosion and, in this post, we will guide you through it to hopefully give you a better understanding of the condition known as dental erosion.

How Does It Happen?

Dental is erosion is caused by excess acid in the mouth that slowly and surely breaks down the enamel on your teeth and will eventually wear them out. This is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and the intake of certain foods and beverages. Acidic foods such as sour candy and certain kinds of vinegar will cause a build-up of acid and cause dental erosion. The teeth will eventually wear away and become shorter in length and discoloured.

Warning Signs

If you do suffer from dental erosion, your teeth at the front of your mouth will be transparent at lower parts and easily chip. The back teeth will have crater like concaves in the middle and will be worn and discoloured.

Preventative Measures

There are preventative measures that you can take to avoid tooth erosion.

Also Read This: Dental Caries: A Preventable Condition

Your diet should be taken into consideration.Take note of the foods you eat that cause excess acid build up in the mouth. Obviously, all sugary foods are a no-no and – if you must indulge – clean your teeth half an after. Acidic liquids and foods such as vinegar and Coca Cola should also be avoided. You should educate yourself on what foods are acidic and counter them by eating them with a protein or dairy. This will cut down on the amount of acid production in the mouth and prevent dental erosion.

Saliva is your friend when it comes to preventing dental erosion. Chewing celery or sugar-free gum will increase the production of saliva and keep the acids in your mouth at optimum levels and prevent erosion.

If you do eat something acidic, rinse your mouth out with water to dilute the acid in your mouth. Milk is also another liquid you can use to combat acid.

Last but not least. Regular trips to the dentist for a check-up and general clean will definitely help keep tooth erosion at bay.

Oral hygiene is key in maintaining a happy healthy mouth and preventing dental erosion. Brushing and flossing are imperative, along with a healthy diet and avoiding sugary and acidic foods at all cost. Acidic foods can also be balanced out and the acid neutralised by consuming them with alkaline foods. If you do notice or suffer from some of the symptoms mentioned in this post, it’s a good idea to book into your dentist as soon as possible for a check-up and catch dental erosion early. Give us a call at Dental Avenue Maroubra for a check-up today.