Acids in the mouth can dissolve away tooth surfaces. Given the chance, teeth will repair themselves, using minerals from saliva. But if acid is in the mouth too often, teeth cannot repair themselves, and the harder tooth surface (the enamel) becomes thinner – this is called ‘erosion’. The teeth can then become extra sensitive to hot and cold food and drink. Eroded teeth can also be more likely to suffer decay.
The main cause of erosion is the too frequent consumption of certain kinds of food and drink. All fizzy drinks (including ‘diet’ brands and fizzy mineral water), all ‘sports’ drinks, all squashes and all fruit juices are acidic to varying degrees. Pickles and citrus fruits are examples of acidic types of foods. Some medicines are acidic and, therefore, erosive. People with some illnesses (such as eating disorders) may suffer from erosion because of frequent vomiting, as stomach acids also erode teeth. For this reason, dentists may ask about eating disorders if they see teeth that are very badly eroded.
Don’t have acidic food and/or drinks too often during the day. Try to have them only at meal times. And drinks acidic drinks quickly, don’t sip them. And don’t swish them around your mouth. Between meals, you should only have ‘safe’ drinks, which are not sugary or acidic. Milk and water are ‘safe’ drinks. So are tea and coffee if you do not add sugar to them (you can use non-sugar sweeteners).
You should try to avoid snacking between meals. If you do snack, only have ‘safe’ snacks, which are not sugary or acidic. Fruits, vegetables and products (such as sandwiches, toast, crumpets and pitta bread) are all ‘safe’ snacks. Some fruits, especially citrus fruits, are acidic and are known to cause erosion if they are consumed in large quantities. This is not normally a problem for most people; however, you could discuss with your dentist or hygienist the safest ways to enjoy these fruits.
Because acids temporarily soften the tooth surface, don’t brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking something acidic. You should brush your teeth twice a day, and always use a fluoride toothpaste.
Your dentist can identify erosion, pinpoint the causes and advise you on how to prevent further damage.
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“A very friendly and helpful dental practice that I would highly recommend! Have had regular check-ups and remedial works carried out that I have been extremely happy with - and no pain at all! Also,…”
“Anna has been my Hygienist since she started working at the Manor Dental Practice and has always achieved the highest…”
“What a wonderful team! They provide a comfortable environment, are personable and incredibly knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”
“I have recently moved to the area and needed emergency dental treatment. On the recommendation of my new neighbours, I…”
“Recently transferred across to this practice and have been super impressed with the team. I've had a check-up and hygienist…”
“Friendly, professional service. Full explanation of work was given, very gentle treatment and a great, friendly dental team. Highly recommended.”
“I would like to highly commend this practice. I have been to some pretty dreadful dentists over the years, and…”
“In Bath on a visit and needed to attend an emergency appointment for my family member. We were treated with…”
“Cracked half of my filling and decided to register and get treatment with Manor Dental. X-rays and a scan of…”
“Had an emergency appointment for a broken front tooth. It was seen that morning, and the tooth was repaired. Faultless…”
“A very friendly and helpful dental practice that I would highly recommend! Have had regular check-ups and remedial works carried…”
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