A relatively new problem is
becoming apparent in dentistry.This is
‘wear’ of teeth due to chemical erosion. This often results in sensitivity of the necks of the teeth to cold and
sweet things. Another common area of
tooth surface damage is the inner surfaces of upper teeth in teenagers.
Chemical erosion is the
result of acid softening the enamel. If
the teeth are then brushed with an abrasive toothpaste the problem is made
worse. The result is that the “softened”
enamel is often “spat” down the sink!
The main types of acid which are dangerous for your teeth are:
Citric acid - lemons, grapefruit, oranges
Lactic acid - yoghurt, fromage frais, cottage cheese
Phosphoric acid - coke,
Pepsi, diet Coke, diet Pepsi
Acetic acid - vinegar
as in oil and vinegar dressing
Malic acid - apples
Oxalic acid - rhubarb
It must be remembered that fresh fruit juices are just as dangerous
for teeth as fruit juice mixtures e.g., Five Alive.
Why is this happening now?
Many of these fruits and juices formerly were only available in season. With refrigeration these are now available all year round and are doing phenomenal damage to teeth. An exaggerated emphasis on slimming for ‘health’ reasons has not helped.
Preventive measures:
- Limit the number of episodes when acidic foods or drinks are taken. Try to eat all your fruit at one time of the
day.
- DO NOT BRUSH teeth after taking acidic foods or drinks.
- If possible, rinse your mouth with milk or a fluoride mouthwash after eating or
drinking acidic foods.
- Drink fruit juices through a wide bore straw thus getting the acid past the teeth,
and away from the mouth.
- Try to avoid diet drinks. If you have them,
drink them through a wide bore straw or drink them very quickly to reduce acid
contact time.
Note
If tooth surface loss is occurring even though there are no observed
dietary causes, then the dentist will guide you further. There are other causes of tooth damage such as medical conditions e.g. acid reflux or anorexia, and chronic alcohol intake.
Perfect Smile Spa is one of the leading Dental clinics in London and Essex. If you would like any further information please contact us on 01708 442114 or email care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk