What Is Acid Erosion And How Can You Avoid It?
Posted on: 26 July 2018
Even people who floss and brush as they should can experience acid erosion. This is a condition that can result in serious dental problems down the road for you if you go through it. If you've been told that your enamel is wearing down or that you're experiencing acid erosion, here's what you need to know about the condition and how to put an end to it.
What is Acid Erosion?
Acid erosion is a condition where acid chews away at the surface of your teeth. If it goes on long enough, it can break down the protective layer of enamel that prevents your teeth from being damaged. Unfortunately, this can leave your teeth exposed to all kinds of problems, like plaque and bacteria, and it also allows acid erosion to occur further into the tooth, which can cause a lot of pain or sensitivity for you.
What Causes Acid Erosion?
In most cases, acid erosion is due to the food and drinks you consume. Acidic things like coffee and vinegar are acidic in nature and can hurt your teeth, especially if you don't brush soon after meals.
In other cases, acid from your stomach can cause your teeth to erode. This isn't typical, but if you experience acid reflux or frequently regurgitate bile, this could happen to you. It's also a problem for people who experience frequent nausea and vomit, as the stomach acid can quickly coat the teeth that way.
How Do You Stop Acid Erosion?
Depending on the cause of your acid erosion, there are several ways to put an end to it hurting your teeth. If all your problem is what you eat and drink, you can cut down on the number of acidic things you consume. You can also make it a habit to rinse your teeth with water after eating in order to help loosen and remove the acid.
If your problem is your stomach producing too much acid, you can talk to a doctor about taking medication to help control this condition. In addition, your dentist can help you to protect your teeth. Dentists can remineralize teeth to improve the strength of your enamel, which will help to prevent further damage. They can also repair any damage that's already been done to your teeth.
Acid erosion needs to be taken seriously in order to keep your teeth healthy. Contact a dental office like Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics if you're concerned about the condition of your teeth and don't want them to be hurt.
Share