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Andrew M. Sklar, DDS
Acid Wear On Teeth
Andrew M. Sklar, DDS, PC

Acid Wear On Teeth

Dentists are seeing acid-worn tooth enamel more and more frequently, especially in young patients. People are aware that sugars damage teeth, but seem to have little knowledge about acid erosion.

Acid erosion occurs when various foods and drinks temporarily soften the hard enamel surface of the teeth. While softened, the enamel can be more easily worn away. This can present an even greater problem for young children whose tooth enamel isn't mature and, therefore, softer and more susceptible to the acid.

For adults, acid wear over time can prematurely age the appearance of teeth, causing them to yellow and lose their texture and luster. Acid-worn teeth also appear more transparent at the tooth edges and are often more sensitive.

Carbonated soft drinks are one of the worst culprits of acid wear. It is not the carbonic acid, but the citric and phosphoric acids that causes the erosion. Citric acid is actually the most erosive acid found in all soft drinks and the predominate acid in non-cola drinks, including fruit juices and sports drinks. Vinegar-based salad dressings, wine, caffeinated drinks, sour candies, and even many fruits and vegetables are acidic.

Dehydration is another factor that can contribute to acid wear. Dehydration decreases the amount of saliva in your mouth. Saliva helps to neutralize acidity in the mouth and allows the enamel to slowly re-harden. But with repeated acid activity and decreased saliva this doesn't happen effectively.

Acid erosion is a difficult problem to reverse so prevention is the best solution. You can take the following steps to protect yourself from the possibility of acid erosion of your teeth.

1. Limit the time acidic foods are in contact with your teeth. Avoid grazing on acidic foods and drinks throughout the day and chewing on fruit for prolonged periods of time. Use a straw when consuming acidic drinks.

2. Consume milk, cheese or nuts with, or after eating, acidic food or drinks to help neutralize the acidic levels while replenishing the calcium and other minerals in your teeth.

3. Hydrate and keep saliva flowing. Alcohol, exercising without rehydration, and many medicines can dry out your mouth. Cheese, fiber rich foods and sugarless gum all stimulate saliva flow.

4. Avoid brushing teeth for up to an hour after consuming acidic food or drinks when the enamel is at its softest. Rinse with water instead.

5. Consume sugary foods with meals when your mouth produces more saliva.

6. Avoid sticky and sour candies and choose sweets that clear out of your mouth quickly. Thumbs up for chocolate, which because its sugars are coated in fat, slips easily out of your mouth (thumbs down for lollipops, caramels, gummy candies, or cough drops).

7. Choose candy, gum, and baked goods sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol does not break down like sugar and can help maintain a neutral pH level in the mouth. Xylitol also increases salivary flow and aids in the repair of damaged tooth enamel.

8. Most importantly, have regular dental check-ups and follow the advice of your dental professional.

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