Sources of Acid:

> Carbonated drinks.  All "Fizzy" drinks, including soda (even diet soda) contain a lot of acid and can dissolve your enamel very quickly. Drinking larger amounts, or holding it in your mouth for longer periods can cause more damage to your teeth.

> Pure fruit juice.

> Bulimia and acid reflux.  Both conditions can severely damage your teeth due to the pH level of stomach acids.

 

Signs of Tooth Erosion:

> Sensitivity.  You may feel sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks as tooth erosion wears away the protective enamel.

> Discolouration.  Dentin lies underneath the enamel. As the enamel wears away more dentin is exposed, causing the teeth to appear more yellow.

> Rounded Teeth.

> Transparency.  The biting edges of your front teeth may appear to be slightly more transparent.

> Cracks.  Small cracks and roughness may appear at the edges of teeth.

> Cupping.  Small dents may appear on the biting surfaces of your teeth. Fillingsmay also appear to be rising out of the top of the tooth.

 

Prevention:

Since there are so many different sources of tooth erosion, talk to your dentist about your habits so that a prevention plan can be determined that is specifically designed for you.

 

Here are some general things you

can do to protect your teeth:

> Substitute water or milk for your usual carbonated drink.

> If drinking acidic drinks, drink quickly and use a straw so that the liquid is pushed to the back of the mouth. Refrain from swishing or holding the drink in your mouth for long periods.

> Rinse with water after consuming high-acid food or drinks. This will neutralize the acids. Wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth.

> Chew sugar-free gum to produce more saliva so that your teeth can remineralize.

> Brush with a soft toothbrush and be sure that your toothpaste contains a high amount of fluoride.

> Using fluoride and brushing with a specially formulated sensitivity toothpaste can reduce sensitivity.

(AGD Impact September 2007 Page 61)