What is Acid Erosion and How Can I Reduce It?
Acid erosion is the wearing down of tooth enamel by acid in the mouth. Typically, this acid comes from the food and drink that we consume every day. Changes in diet and behaviour can reduce the effects of acid erosion. Let’s take a look at some of the causes of acid erosion and then see what can be done about it.
Causes of Acid Erosion
Acidic foods and drinks – those with a pH below 5.0 – can erode your tooth enamel. Typical culprits are fruits and their associated juices: we all know that citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges and grapefruits are acidic, but tomatoes, pineapples and grapes also have a low pH. Think of all the drinks that are based on acidic fruits and you start to see the scale of the problem!
Reducing the Effects of Acid Erosion
It is possible to adopt some habits that should negate the need to give up acidic food and drink altogether. We encourage our patients to get into the habit of sipping water after eating something acidic. Water has a neutral pH and will wash some of the acid away from your teeth. Don’t be tempted to brush your teeth straight after eating acidic foods – wait at least half an hour. The abrasive brushing combined with the acid can actually make the effects of erosion worse.
Intrinsic Acid Erosion
As well as the acid in our food and drinks, gastric acid from our own stomachs can cause acid erosion if it comes into contact with the teeth. This is known as intrinsic acid erosion or perimolysis and is usually an indication of another problem such as bulimia, anorexia or Gastroesophageal Reflux. The oral health of a patient is so often indicative of their broader health.
If you are concerned that your tooth enamel might be damaged by acid erosion, then an appointment with one of our dental hygienists might help. They can assist you in establishing and maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine.
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