Your Smile Miami - Biscayne Dental Group - 305.572.1600

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

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A first person account from Dr. Julio as to why he chose dentistry as his field of work.

Many people ask me why I like to be a dentist. My answer: I was born to do this. I believe you really have to have the right personality to do this job. So many patients come in afraid of the dentist and not wanting to be there. I, on the other hand, usually have an ear to ear smile. My football coach in high school used to call me "Smiley". I am generally a pretty happy guy and that really helps patients feel at ease. We do a lot in our office to make every patient feel comfortable. We use iPods’ with relaxing music, aromatherapy, warm blankets, and lip therapy. Patients really appreciate it when we go the extra mile for them.

Besides being a happy guy, I’m also a little nerdy. I love studying and learning. I do a lot of continuing education. This gives me a better understanding of different areas of dentistry and a unique edge to really look at my patients as a whole. Besides Cosmetics, orthodontics is one of my favorite areas of dentistry. I did an apprenticeship for four years with an orthodontist. Today, I treat a full range of comprehensive orthodontic cases. This is a whole different area of dentistry that few general dentists explore. Of course, we see lots of kids for braces, but also many adults. The desire to have straight teeth has become so main stream, that more and more adults today are seeking treatment. Invisalign has also opened the doors today for many adults who have wanted straighter teeth without the use of braces. On the other hand, kids today are begging their parents for braces. I don’t remember ever begging my parents. I certainly didn’t look forward to getting them the second time around when I was in college. But today, I’m certainly glad I went through it. I think it is important to be proud of your smile.

I figure, if you’re proud of your smile you’re likely to smile more. Smiling makes you feel happy. Happy people are less depressed, have better relationships, more friends, and less stress. Okay, that is not totally scientific. But, I like to think that I am doing my parent to make the world a better place. After all, we all have to visit the dentist. So why not see someone who is generally happy, very knowledgeable, and is going to go out of his way to make you feel comfortable.

Dr. Julio

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