What is Dental Erosion and How to Prevent It
In recent years, soft drinks have become quite popular. These drinks often contain a high acid and sugar content that results in the wearing away of the teeth’s outer protective covering, a process that is known as dental erosion. Dental erosion poses serious risks, because it not only affects the enamel, but also the dentin in the long term. This can lead to major problems with your oral health. It is therefore important to prevent dental erosion in the following ways:
- Limit the use of acidic drinks and foods. Instead, if possible, choose water, milk, or unsweetened tea.
- Keep acidic drinks in your mouth for as short a time as possible. Avoid swishing the drink around in your mouth. Also, do not chew on sour candy or other similar sweets.
- Limit the number of times you eat or drink. Have three meals a day and no more than four snacks in between.
Tips for brushing your teeth to combat tooth erosion
Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to clean the space between the teeth once a day with floss, brushes or toothpicks.
Do not eat or drink acidic foods or beverages an hour before brushing your teeth. The surface of the (front) teeth and molars becomes softer due to the action of acid. If you brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking acid, you can cause more wear to the enamel layer.
Get professional treatment for dental erosion
We can help repair damage to your teeth from dental erosion. Our dentist can quickly detect the signs of dental erosion at an early stage and treat it preventively. We can also offer you appropriate advice to prevent further dental erosion. If you have reached an advanced stage of dental erosion, our experienced dentists will effectively restore your teeth to a beautiful condition. Treatment may include the use of crowns or veneers. For more information or to schedule a dentist appointment, give us a call now.
