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Posted on 11/25/2019 by Office |
Enamel erosion can be caused by many things, but the most common is from acids. The foods that we eat and the drinks that we drink have varying levels of acidity and it is that acidity that can harm the enamel of the teeth. Occasionally, it is alright to partake in highly acidic foods and drinks, however, continual exposure to them every day can lead to dental problems. Acid causes enamel erosion because it slowly takes away the surfaces of a tooth. This is a problem because unlike other bones in our bodies, enamel can never be restored back to new. As enamel becomes weaker, it is possible to experience many problems. The most common problem with enamel erosion is sensitive teeth. While this may not seem that bad if you are fine with staying away from extremely hot, cold or sweet foods, sensitive teeth can indicate that future dental problems like decayed teeth will occur. This is because after the enamel is gone on a tooth, it becomes more exposed to the bacteria inside your mouth which cause things like cavities and gingivitis. Ways to Prevent ErosionThe first step to prevent erosion of your precious enamel is to take into consideration what you eat and drink. While there are the obvious foods and drinks you should stay away from like soda, there are other that we may not think of as highly acidic but actually are. The first is fruit juice. Like soda, fruit juice is highly acidic and if you drink it daily, can cause excessive erosion.A food that you may find surprising is tomatoes. Tomatoes may be good for your body, but when eaten straight from the vine, contains a lot of enamel corroding acid. We recommend staying away from raw tomatoes and only eat them after they have been cooked. There are many problems that stem from enamel erosion, and it is always important to consider what you eat as the first step against corrosion. If you have any more questions or think you may be experiencing excessive enamel wear, please give us a call and we can educate you more on the foods to eat in moderation or schedule an appointment to see about the state of your enamel. |
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