Sugar isn’t the only culprit when it comes to tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks can be harmful as well. Oranges, wine, and other common acidic foods and drinks wear away your teeth’s outer protective layer called enamel. Tooth decay, sensitivity, and discoloring are the effects of Tooth Erosion.
It isn’t possible to eliminate acidic foods and drinks from your diet. Many acidic foods are very valuable for our health. Instead, the way you consume these items can lessen their damage on your teeth.
Tooth Erosion
When the enamel, or protective surface of your teeth, wears away, it exposes the underlying material, called dentin. This leaves your tooth vulnerable to plaque and bacteria, which causes tooth decay.
Causes
Calcium is a key ingredient in building strong teeth. Exposing your teeth to acid leaches calcium from your enamel, effectively breaking down this protective surface. Acid can come from many sources, examples include:
- Carbonated drinks. All soft drinks, including “diet” options, contain high levels of acid that very easily dissolve your enamel in short amounts of time.
- Wine. Whether you choose red, white or rosé, drinking wine will soften your enamel.
- Fruit juice. The most acidic options include lemon, cranberry, orange and apple.
- Citric fruits. Snacking on oranges, lemons and limes can wear down your teeth.
- Candy. No sugary sweets are good for your teeth, but you should pay extra attention to avoid sour gummies and candies.
- Sugar. Even though sugar itself does not contain high levels of acidity, it promotes the growth of acid-creating bacteria in your mouth, creating an acidic environment.
- Stomach acid. Vomiting and reflux also can cause serious tooth damage when stomach acid comes into contact with your teeth. If you suffer from an eating disorder, acid reflux or a related condition, seek professional help.
Signs of Erosion
Acid wear leads to serious dental problems. Alert your Dentist immediately if you notice the signs of tooth erosion in its early stages (sensitivity and discoloration) before more severe damage occurs. More severe damage includes cracks, pain and decay.
Sensitivity
As your teeth’s protective enamel wears away, you may feel a twinge of pain when you consume hot, cold or sweet food and drink. As more enamel is worn away, teeth become increasingly sensitive.
Discoloration
Teeth can become increasingly yellow as the thinning enamel layer exposes the underlying dentin.
Rounded teeth
Your teeth may have a rounded or “sand-blasted” look.
Transparency
Your front teeth may appear slightly translucent near the edges.
Cracks
Small cracks and roughness may appear at the edges of teeth.
Cupping
Small dents may appear on the chewing surface of the teeth, and fillings may appear to be rising up out of the tooth.
Preventing Tooth Erosion
Follow these tips to reduce the effects of acid on your teeth.
Eat Meals, Not Snacks
Instead of snacking throughout the day, save acidic foods for mealtimes. This will reduce their contact with your teeth and help neutralize the acid by eating it with other foods.
Wash Down with Water
Sip water alongside or after the acidic food or drink to wash it out of your mouth.
Use a Straw
If you must drink acidic beverages, reduce their contact with your teeth by using a straw and finishing the drink quickly, instead of sipping over a long period of time.
Say No to Bubbles
Swap out carbonated drinks with water, milk or tea.
Wait Before Brushing
Acid softens your enamel, so brushing immediately after eating or drinking high-acid foods or drinks can actually cause damage. Wait at least half an hour and then start brushing. In the meantime, you can always rinse your mouth with tap water.