What Are the Effects of Acidic Foods on Oral Health?

You might have heard that sugar is not suitable for your teeth. However, it is not only a substance that is harmful to your teeth. Foods and drinks high in acids can wear out your teeth enamel. The enamel protects your teeth from severe damage and oral infections. So, when these foods erode your teeth, they are left vulnerable to trauma and infection. Going to dentistry in Smithfield is essential in saving the life of your teeth.Besides treatment, the dentist will explain the effects that acidic foods can have on oral health, one of them being dental erosion. Keep on reading to learn more.

What Is Dental Erosion?

The tooth’s enamel is sturdy and hard. Unfortunately, the acidic levels found in some foods and drinks can jeopardize the sturdiness of the enamel. Saliva helps to strengthen the enamel, but if the mouth is too acidic, remineralization will not happen, leading to decay and tooth erosion. In addition, when teeth begin to lose essential minerals like calcium, oral infections are inevitable.

When dental erosion happens, certain signs and symptoms accompany it. They include:

• Rounded teeth- failure to go for treatment in Smithfield dental clinic means that the enamel continues to wear out. This progression causes your teeth to look rounded, and this is due to the loss of the enamel.
• Tooth sensitivity- one common sign of dental erosion is tooth sensitivity. This is because the enamel also protects your teeth from extreme hot and cold temperatures. However, when it wears off, there is no protection against these extreme temperatures. As a result, you will experience slight discomfort when you take hot and cold foods and drinks.
• Cupping- this is where small dents start to appear on the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
• Cracks- tooth erosion can create tiny cracks on the edges of your teeth. You may feel that your teeth are rougher than before.
• Discoloration- the enamel is white, and when it begins to wear out, your teeth start to appear slightly yellow, and this is because the dentin is exposed.

Acidic Foods and Drinks That Can Lead to Tooth Erosion

• Vinegar.
• Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, limes, lemons, and limes.
• Pineapples, blueberries, pomegranates, apples, grapes, and peaches.
• Tomato juice and tomatoes.
• Jellies and jams.
• Sauerkraut
• Sodas and fruit juices.
• Sports drinks.
• Flavored tea and water.
• Powdered fruit drinks.

Tips For Protecting Your Teeth from Erosion

The dentist near you will provide tips on protecting your teeth from erosion. For some people, it can be challenging to avoid acidic foods and drinks altogether. If the same applies to you, accompany acidic foods with lower pH foods or alkaline foods to reduce the acidity. This will help neutralize the acid on and around your teeth, preventing dental erosion. Examples of foods that are high pH foods but more alkaline include:

• Whole grains.
• Eggs.
• Oatmeal.
• Veggies.
• Fish.
• Cheese.
• Nuts.
• Bananas.

In addition, you can combine fruit juice with yogurt, cheese, and wine or fruits and nuts. These popular combinations reduce acidity and ensure essential minerals are restored in your tooth enamel.

Now that you know how to neutralize the acidity in foods, how can you prevent dental erosion? Here are some tips:

• Utilize a straw when drinking juices. Using a straw prevents the juice from contacting the teeth’s surfaces.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to fortify your enamel.
• Ensure you read the nutrition information on foodstuffs to reduce sugar intake. Then, it would be best if you opted for healthier options like coconut water, water, and tea.
• After consuming an acidic food or beverage, wash it down with water. Drinking water after taking acidic food ensures that the acids are not left on your teeth surface, as this can be the start of dental erosion.
• Do not brush your teeth immediately after taking an acidic drink or food. Doing so can damage the enamel layer of the tooth. Instead, wait for half an hour before brushing, as this enables the enamel to remineralize itself.
• As mentioned earlier, you should combine acidic foods with other meals. This helps neutralize the acidity of the food.

We believe this piece has helped you know how acidic foods can affect your oral health. If you notice any signs of dental erosion, visit Webber Comprehensive Dentistry for examination and treatment as soon as possible. The earlier you go for treatment, the easier it will be for our dentist to restore your teeth to their optimal condition.