From the moment we wake up and get back to bed, our teeth are under extreme pressure with all the activities we do and all that we eat and drink. When we choose what we eat, we focus on its taste, how sugary the meal is, its texture, and its looks. But we do not pay the slightest attention to the fact that how acidic the food will be when we place it in our mouth.
Enamel, which is well known to be the hardest substance in the body, even its outer tooth layer is prone to damage by foods with a pH lower than 5.5, and foods with a pH of 0 are the most acidic.
Now imagine what would happen if you’d regularly consume foods that are acidic by nature; these will have extreme effects on your teeth and force the top layer to erode over time. Acid erosions are not easy to spot, especially if you don’t know where to look; here is what you’ll need to keep an eye out for:
- The enamel is becoming thinner in different areas of the teeth and is turning yellow.
- You feel extreme sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods.
- Your teeth feel different when you touch them.
Acidic erosion may take place due to a wide range of factors; internal factors include:
- Acid reflux, commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux, happens due to eating foods acidic by nature or during pregnancy and a hiatus hernia patient.
- Consuming lots of sodas and alcohol.
- Drinking carbonated water that has a pH of 3-4.
- If you have a high intake of sports drinks and flavored waters.
If you are looking to save your enamel for a longer time; there will be several lifestyle changes you will have to implement in your daily life. Some of these are:
- Lessen your intake of acidic foods and drinks.
- If you need to drink something sour, you should use a straw as it will reduce the drink’s contact with your teeth.
- Regularly visit your dentist for a checkup and seek their advice on any treatment required.
- Brush your teeth twice a day for atleast 2 minutes every time and use fluoride toothpaste.
If you feel the enamel of your teeth is eroding, visit us at Texas Premier Dental; and our team of experienced dentists will be able to treat you. Call us now at 281.206.0100 to book an appointment.