SHARES
Everyone knows that sugar is bad for your teeth. But is that the only dietary factor that can damage your smile? In fact, foods and beverages that are highly acidic can wear away the enamel, which is the hard superficial layer of your teeth. This is known as tooth erosion. Tooth erosion is detrimental to your oral health as it changes the appearance of your teeth and makes you more susceptible to dental cavities.
What are some acidic foods and drinks to look out for?
The major culprit to tooth erosion is soft drinks, such as carbonated soda and energy drinks. Although some of them are sugar-free, they are still acidic due to carbonation. It is the bubbly fizz that causes the acidity in the drink.
Besides that, beverages can be acidic from citrus flavourings such as lemon, lime and orange. Natural beverages such as freshly squeezed lemonade or orange juice are also high in acid. Thus, consume them occasionally instead of on a daily basis.
Aside from acidic drinks, acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits can also have effect on the tooth enamel. It is advisable to eat them as part of a meal instead of by themselves.
Do I have tooth erosion?
Saliva functions to neutralise the acid in your mouth to protect your teeth. However, if your teeth are constantly being exposed to highly acidic diet, the enamel layer of your teeth will degrade over time. With tooth erosion, you may experience certain symptoms such as:
- Increased sensitivity to temperature changes
- Cracks and chips
- Yellow discolouration – as the underlying yellowish dentin layer becomes more obvious
- Indentations known as cupping on the surface of your teeth
If severe, you may also notice complications like overly sensitive teeth, rough edges on teeth, shiny and translucent teeth and increased tooth decay.
How to prevent tooth erosion?
Tooth erosion is permanent as enamel cannot regrow. Thus, it is important to protect your teeth for life. Here are a number of things you can do to prevent tooth erosion:
- Avoid holding or swishing your drink around your mouth so that the acidic drink does not stay in contact with your teeth for too long
- Chew sugar-free gum after eating to stimulate more saliva, thus helping to neutralise the acidic environment
- Consume acidic foods and drinks only at mealtimes. This can help to reduce the number of acid attacks on your teeth.
- Wait at least an hour after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing your teeth. This is because your teeth are more susceptible to degradation with mechanical brushing. They need time to build up their mineral content again.
- Spit out toothpaste after brushing and not rinse. Thus, fluoride can stay on your teeth longer to help strengthening your teeth.
Conclusion
Exposure of your teeth to acidic food causes tooth erosion. There is common awareness within the dental profession that dental erosion is on the increase. Understanding the effects and altering your dietary habit will help prevent tooth erosion. Visit a dental professional today to ensure a bright smile over a lifetime.
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by Soh May Leng
Born and raised in Malaysia, May Leng obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has joined the GetDoc team to relay valuable health information to the public. Staying active plays a big part in her daily life especially through outdoor sports such as running and swimming. She also enjoys travelling and has a passion for photography. View all articles by Soh May Leng.
