The Effects Acids Can Have on Your Teeth

Acids are very powerful. They can do a lot of damage in a very short amount of time. If acids are left on your teeth long enough, they will eventually erode the enamel of your teeth, and this will likely leave you in a significant amount of pain. If your teeth hurt and you aren’t quite sure what the cause may be, you should come in and see a River Valley Smile Center dentist right away.
The Causes of Acid Erosion
More often than not, acid in your mouth doesn’t come directly from one particular source. It comes from a combination of what you eat and what you drink, plus how well you maintain your oral health. There are some foods and drinks that are known culprits, including soda and sports drinks, and foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits. Other issues, such as dry mouth or frequent vomiting, can also lead to acid erosion. If you suffer from a medical ailment that causes either of those issues, you need to come see us more often than every six months so we can keep an eye on your teeth.
What Can Be Done to Rebuild Enamel on Your Teeth
When enamel breaks off, it is gone. There is nothing that you can do at that point. However, when you eat acids, there are a few things that you can do. Drinking water as your main source of liquid each and every day can go a long way towards keeping your teeth safe. Drinking milk after drinking or eating something acidic can neutralize the effects of the acids on your teeth. You can also wait about one hour after eating or drinking anything acidic prior to heading for the toothbrush. That may sound counterproductive, but it actually allows your saliva to neutralize some of the acid, but also to wash your enamel and restore the minerals the acid would have worn down. This keeps your teeth stronger, longer.
At River Valley Smile Center, each of our dentists has seen the effects of acid erosion in the past. We know how to help protect your mouth from further damage, and we have the ability to help you live a pain-free life. When acid has taken its toll on your teeth, come in and see one of our friendly dentists today. Your mouth will feel better, and we are always glad to see you.