Causes of Tooth Erosion
WHAT IS TOOTH EROSION
Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure. This is caused by the weakening of tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is very strong but it can be weakened overtime and through constant use. Tooth enamel takes on a lot of chewing and grinding on a daily basis and is exposed to different acids from foods, drinks, bodily fluids and other sources. This can eventually cause wear and tear. This wear and tear is referred to as erosion.
CAUSES OF TOOTH EROSION
The acid found in many of the foods and beverages we consume on a daily basis can contribute to the weakening of tooth enamel. If acid from foods and beverages sit on teeth, and is not removed, it can begin to eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Acid can come from many different foods. These include:
- Soda. All sodas or carbonated drinks contain a lot of acid. Drinking soda on a daily basis can dissolve tooth enamel very quickly. The worst thing for a person to do is to sip on a soda throughout the day. Doing this allows acid to sit constantly on teeth and eat away at the enamel.
- Energy drinks and sports drinks. These beverages, like soda, also contain high levels of acid.
- Fruit and fruit juices. Fruit and juice made from fruit is very acidic. The acid from fruit and fruit juice can break down tooth enamel overtime. Even lemon water can cause damage to tooth enamel.
- Wine. Wine is fermented fruit juice. The acid content is the same and can do damage to tooth enamel.
- Vinegar. Foods with vinegar in them, for example, pickles or hot wings, are also very acidic.
A person’s body can also generate acids that are harmful to teeth. This happens most often in GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder). GERD causes stomach acids to boil up into the mouth. The acid attacks the teeth. Most often, the damage is visible on the back teeth. Stomach acid can also damage teeth if a person has a purgative eating disorder like bulimia nervosa.
Forced vomiting repeatedly bathes the teeth in damaging acid, causing serious damage over time. Luckily the body has a defense mechanism to help protect teeth. Saliva in the mouth contains calcium that helps strengthen the teeth. However, if a person has large amounts of acid in the mouth constantly, the saliva is unable to remineralize the teeth and erosion of the enamel occurs.
When a person suffers from dry mouth the effects of acid can be more damaging. Dry mouth occurs when the body isn’t producing enough saliva. If the mouth is dry, then acids in the mouth will do more damage before it’s eliminated. Dry mouth can be caused by dehydration, certain medications, or as a natural effect of aging. Strenuous exercise can also contribute to dry mouth. People in Prescott AZ who exercise a lot and drink sports drinks to aid rehydration can put themselves at serious risk for tooth erosion. Drinking water is the best way to eliminate dry mouth.
A person obviously can’t avoid acid forever. It’s in a lot of the things we eat and drink and is naturally occurring in the body. However, there are things that can be done to help avoid tooth erosion. Below are some tips to reduce tooth erosion. These include:
- Wait an hour after eating acidic foods to brush teeth. This allows the saliva in the mouth to naturally wash away acids and remineralize tooth enamel.
- Cut down on acidic beverages like soft drinks and energy drinks.
- Avoid sipping on acid beverages all day.
- Use a straw.
- After eating or drinking something acidic, rinse the mouth out with water. Also drinking milk or eating cheese filled with calcium, right afterward, can help neutralize acids.
- Avoid dry mouth by chewing sugarless gum. This helps to keep the saliva constant in the mouth.
- See the Prescott Dental Arts for regular cleanings and checkups. During the cleaning and exam the dentist will look for signs of tooth erosion.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TOOTH EROSION
Tooth erosion is a very serious problem and must be addressed early before it progresses. That’s why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of tooth erosion in its early stages. These signs and symptoms include:
- Tooth sensitivity and pain
- Tooth discoloration
- Transparent looking teeth
- Cracks in teeth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Visible pits or holes in teeth
If a person is suffering from any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above or wants to know more about tooth erosion and how to avoid it, calling our office is the first step. Making an appointment for a cleaning and exam will allow the hygienist and dentist the chance to check the teeth for signs of erosion. Early detection is the best way to avoid further damage to teeth.
Call us at (928) 445-8980
Prescott Dental Arts
1787 Willow Creek Rd.
Prescott, AZ 86301
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1787 Willow Creek Rd
Prescott, AZ 86301
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