Know More about Dental Erosion
Perhaps you assume that the culprit of dental erosion is the cause of bacteria. However, the breakdown of the dental hard tissue known as dental erosion is in fact caused by acids. Acids interrupt the fine PH balance found on your teeth. Saliva naturally protects against this by washing away acids and restoring the PH that is unless there is an overabundance of acid. Sadly, dental erosion is irreversible.
The result can often be visually seen on the teeth, namely a translucent look to areas of your teeth. Additionally, this constant wear of hard dental tissue will weaken your teeth, cause sensitivity, and if left unchecked, the loss of teeth.
Intrinsic Causes
According to ADA.org, “Intrinsic erosion results from the introduction of gastric acids into the oral cavity at a frequency exceeding the ability of the buffering capacity of saliva or other oral health measures to prevent it, usually several times a week for a number of years.” The constant presence of stomach acids in your mouth is due to such things as reflux, bulimia, and chronic alcoholism.
Extrinsic Causes
ADA.org says, “Extrinsic causes are dietary, lifestyle, environmental or occupational factors that erode dental hard tissue by contact with acids in beverages2, 3, 5 or inorganic acid vapors released into the environment.”
Beverages such as sodas, energy drinks, and fruit juices are a huge culprit because of their low PH values. Also to be noted is the type of work one has. For example, studies show that people who work at munitions, battery, and fertilizer plants are at higher risk verses other occupations because of airborne industrial acids.
Prevention is the Best Antidote
The best way to help an issue is to never have the issue in the first place! Therefore, if you are warned by your dentist about being careful about dental erosion, take their advice to heart! Use the tips in this article to ensure erosion of your dental hard tissues does not become a problem.
On the other hand, if you do suffer from dental erosion, ask your dentist for advice! Some have found help from the following tips, whether they are at the prevention stage or whether they are at the management stage.
-fluoride treatments and using fluoridated tooth paste
-using a soft bristled tooth brush
-rinsing with water after vomiting or eating/drinking anything acidic
-consuming calcium rich foods and drinks
-use a straw when drinking anything acidic to avoid it touching your teeth
As you can see, dental erosion is a serious problem. However, you now have ample information to aid you in your oral health goals!