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Weakened enamel from erosion is no walk in the park. It can cause tooth pain, sensitivity, and could result in needing treatments like fillings and crowns to correct the issue. This is why we’re sharing our top 5 strategies for protecting your enamel. We want to help you give your teeth the care they deserve both at-home and in our offices. Let’s dive in!
Both regular and diet sodas contain acid that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth. This could lead to cavities, stains on the surface of your teeth, and could even erode the inside structure of your tooth. We recommend limiting the amount of sodas you drink per day, or even better––eliminating soda altogether!
Waiting at least one hour to brush your teeth (especially if you have had acidic-type foods) gives your saliva a chance to naturally wash away the acid and to re-harden your enamel. If you brush too soon, you could actually cover your teeth with remnants of your meal, which weakens the enamel. So next time you finish a meal and really want to brush your teeth, try drinking some water or chewing sugar-free gum to help clean your teeth first. Then head into the bathroom to use your toothbrush.
To help keep your saliva flowing (which helps protect your teeth from acids), it can be helpful to chew sugar free gum on a regular basis. Look for brands with the ADA Seal of Acceptance! Some of our favorites include Eclipse Sugarfree Gum, Orbit Sugarfree Gum, and Ice Breakers Ice Cubes, which can all be found at your local grocery store or gas station.
Fact: Not every dental care product on the market has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. To help prevent tooth erosion, you only want to use products that have this seal. You can visit Mouth Healthy to find a full list of products and even search them by category.
Seeing your dentist on a regular basis is important for everyone, but it can be especially important for those who suffer from stomach issues such as acid reflux. Your dentist will want to keep a close eye on any tooth erosion you may have, and help combat the effects with fillings, crowns, or other treatments that may be needed. You can also work with your primary care physician to help treat the underlying cause of your stomach problems. If you don’t suffer from any stomach issues, it’s still important to visit your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and checkups.
Remember that if you’re feeling any pain or sensitivity in your teeth, or you notice a yellowish discoloration, you need to make an appointment as soon as possible to see your dentist. Give our office a call at (804) 794-4588.
