Sep 24 2008 03:00 pm
Posted by admin under Acid Erosion, Biscayne Dental Group, Cosmetic Dentist, Julio Hernandez, Miami Florida, Smiling
The Effects of Acid Erosion On Your Smile
There are 2 kinds or erosion that affects the teeth: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic erosion results from stomach acids during episodes of gastric reflux or bulimia. Extrinsic erosion results from eating and drinking highly acidic foods and drinks.
Acidic foods and drinks can cause ph levels to decline resulting in teeth that are more susceptible to decay. In fact, ph levels of 6.6 can cause softening of tooth structures. Furthermore, lower ph levels of around 5.5 cause demineralization of enamel and dentin. Several common foods and drinks have very low ph levels and in large doses or in high frequency can cause either softening or demineralization of enamel and dentin. Some of these foods and drinks include:
- Apples ph = 3.5 – 3.9
- Oranges ph = 2.8 – 4.0
- Tomatoes ph = 3.7 – 4.7
- Coffee ph = 2.4 – 3.3
- Sports drinks ph = 2.3 – 4.4
- Beer & wine ph = 2.3 – 4.4
Most people would think that brushing after meals would help. Actually, brushing soon after a meal that was very acidic could cause abrasion of the surface and reduce tooth structure. If this pattern continues, the teeth could become sensitive as the dentin becomes exposed. Acid erosion can have other consequences as well these include:
- Loss to tooth luster
- Teeth become smooth with rounded edges
- Teeth become darker as the enamel thins and the dentin becomes exposed
- Anterior teeth become translucent and begin exhibiting cracks
There are several things we can do to help prevent acid erosion. First be aware of the foods you eat and try to substitute acidic foods and drinks for other healthy alternatives. Secondly, drink lots of water. Water helps dilute the acid and reduces the damage to the teeth. Another helpful hint to prevent damage to your teeth would be to wait 20 to 30 minutes after a meal that is very acidic to brush your teeth. Fluoride will help protect vulnerable areas. Also, calcium and phosphate in an amorphous solution like that found in MI paste, Recalcident (found in Trident sugar-free gum), and Sensodyne Pronamel ™ for example, will help remineralize the teeth. Be sure to discuss with your dentist your eating habits so that he/she may recommend a preventative maintenance program that is right for you.
This information is brought to you by:
Dr. Julio Hernandez / Biscayne Dental Group 2125 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 510 Miami, FL 33137 305-572-1600
