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How certain food types can cause acid erosion of your teeth…..

Have a look at this list to see if any of it is part of your daily/ regular food and drink diet:

  • Lemon juice on your food
  • Hot Lemon water
  • Concentrated Orange juice
  • Fresh satsumas
  • Fresh grapefruit
  • Fizzy drinks (alcoholic drinks/ sports drinks/ soft drinks)
  • Sparkly mineral water or soda water
  • Fizzy flavoured water
  • White wine
  • vinegar

Excess consumption of these types will cause acid erosion of your teeth.

What is acid erosion?

This is the loss of the enamel layer which is the outer strong surface of your  teeth due to acid attack. Once the protective enamel is gone it leaves the sensitive dentine underneath exposed, which can lead to pain and sensitivity

How does acid erosion happen?

Every time you eat anything acidic the enamel becomes softer for a while and your saliva overtime helps to cancel the acid back to a normal pH balance. However if the acid attack happens too often the enamel can be permanently destroyed resulting in loss of the strong enamel.

How do I know if I have acid erosion?

Acid erosion often shows up as hollows up by the gum line of your teeth. You can also see a general wearing away of the biting surface and edges of your teeth. Some times you can see small ditches or pits on the biting surface of your molars.

Are there any medical conditions that can cause acid erosion?

Yes. Bulimia can cause severe tooth erosion. Acid reflux or heartburn can result in stomach acid brought up into the mouth which can also result in dental erosion.

 

Look out for our next post on ways to prevent acid erosion.

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