How does tooth enamel get damaged? What should be done to prevent it?
How does tooth enamel get damaged? What should be done to prevent it?
Tooth erosion happens or gets damaged when acids wear away the enamel on teeth. Enamel erosion can be caused by the following:
- Excessive soft drink consumption (high levels of phosphoric and citric acids)
- Fruit drinks (some acids in fruit drinks are more erosive than battery acid)
- Dry mouth or low salivary flow (xerostomia)
- Diet (high in sugar and starches)
- Acid reflux disease (GERD)
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Medication
- Genetics (inherited conditions)
- Environmental factors (friction, wear and tear, stress, and corrosion)
Good dental care is the best way to keep your mouth healthy.
Cut down on acidic drinks and foods, like sodas, citrus fruits, and juices. When you do have something with acid, have it at mealtimes to make it easier on your enamel. You can also switch to things like low-acid orange juice.
Rinse your mouth with water right after you eat or drink something acidic.
Use a straw for sodas and fruit juices so they bypass the teeth. Don’t swish them around in your mouth.
Finish a meal with a glass of milk or a piece of cheese. This will cancel out acids.
Chew sugar-free gum. This lowers the amount of acid in your mouth. Gum also helps you make more saliva, which strengthens your teeth with key minerals.
Drink more water during the day if you have dry mouth.
Use a soft toothbrush. And try not to brush too hard.
Wait at least an hour to brush after you've had acidic foods or drinks. They soften the enamel and make it more prone to damage from your toothbrush.
Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. Your dentist can tell you which products can protect your teeth and make them less sensitive.
Get treatment for conditions like bulimia, alcoholism, or GERD.
Tooth erosion happens or gets damaged when acids wear away the enamel on teeth. Enamel erosion can be caused by the following:
- Excessive soft drink consumption (high levels of phosphoric and citric acids)
- Fruit drinks (some acids in fruit drinks are more erosive than battery acid)
- Dry mouth or low salivary flow (xerostomia)
- Diet (high in sugar and starches)
- Acid reflux disease (GERD)
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Medication
- Genetics (inherited conditions)
- Environmental factors (friction, wear and tear, stress, and corrosion)
Good dental care is the best way to keep your mouth healthy.
Cut down on acidic drinks and foods, like sodas, citrus fruits, and juices. When you do have something with acid, have it at mealtimes to make it easier on your enamel. You can also switch to things like low-acid orange juice.
Rinse your mouth with water right after you eat or drink something acidic.
Use a straw for sodas and fruit juices so they bypass the teeth. Don’t swish them around in your mouth.
Finish a meal with a glass of milk or a piece of cheese. This will cancel out acids.
Chew sugar-free gum. This lowers the amount of acid in your mouth. Gum also helps you make more saliva, which strengthens your teeth with key minerals.
Drink more water during the day if you have dry mouth.
Use a soft toothbrush. And try not to brush too hard.
Wait at least an hour to brush after you've had acidic foods or drinks. They soften the enamel and make it more prone to damage from your toothbrush.
Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. Your dentist can tell you which products can protect your teeth and make them less sensitive.
Get treatment for conditions like bulimia, alcoholism, or GERD.
