Dental Acid Erosion

Many people consume fruit juice, carbonated beverages and highly acidic foods every day but probably do not realize that they might be harming their teeth.  The acid in the foods we eat and drink can cause tooth enamel to wear away, making teeth sensitive, discolored and more prone abnormal wear.
What causes tooth erosion
Tooth erosion occurs when the enamel on your teeth is worn away by acid.  Usually the calcium contained in saliva will help remineralize (strengthen) your teeth after you consume small amounts of acidic food and beverage.  However, the presence of excessive amounts of acid in your mouth does not allow for remineralization.  This acid can come from many sources including:

• Carbonated drinks: All fizzy drinks, including soda (including diet varieties) contain significant amounts of acid and can dissolve enamel on your teeth very quickly.  More damage is done to your teeth as the frequency of your consumption increases.  
• Pure fruit juice: Fruit juice also contains significant amounts of acid that, like carbonated beverages, can result in extensive damage to teeth.  
• Acid reflux and bulimia: Both bulimia and acid reflux cause tooth erosion as a result of acids in the stomach entering the mouth and bathing the teeth.  

What are the signs of tooth erosion

• Sensitivity:  Since enamel, the outer layer of the tooth is wearing away, you may notice that you feel pain when you consume cold, hot, or sweet foods and drinks.  This sensitivity can increase as acid erosion progresses
• Discoloration: Teeth can become increasingly yellow in color as enamel is lost and more dentin is exposed.  
• Transparency: Your front teeth may begin to appear more transparent near the biting edges
• Cupping: Small dents may appear on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.  

What can I do to prevent tooth erosion?
Because there are many reasons why you may be experiencing tooth erosion speak with your dentist so you can have a preventive plan of action.  Here are some general things you can do to protect your teeth.

• Reduce or eliminate carbonated drinks from your diet.  Instead, try to increase your intake of water
• Drink acidic drinks quickly and use a straw so that the liquid is pushed to the back of the mouth.  Do not swish, or hold them in your mouth for long periods of time. 
• After consuming high-acid foods or drink, rinse with water to neutralize the acid, and wait at least a half an hour before brushing your teeth.
• Brush with a soft toothbrush and ensure that your toothpaste has fluoride to help the remineralization process.