Every day your smile comes into contact with different substances that can harm your teeth. One thing that can really weaken and damage your smile over time is dental acid. In this article our Glendale dentists will explain what types of acidic substances are dangerous, and what you can do to mitigate acid damage.
Many of the foods and drinks that you consume every day may be acidic….and you might not even realize it! Here are some of the common substances that may harm your smile:
· Fruit juices
· Sports drinks
· Soft drinks
· Wine
· Beer
· Lemonade
Over time acidic substances weaken your dental enamel, and cause it to thin. This leaves your teeth more susceptible to dental bacteria—you may end up with more cavities because your enamel is compromised.
In order to minimize the effects of acidic substances on your smile, you can:
· Drink water rather than acidic drinks whenever possible
· When you do consume an acidic substance, swish some water around your mouth in order to minimize the amount of time that acid sits on your enamel
· Do not brush your teeth right after eating or drinking something acidic. Your enamel may be softer after acid exposure, so dental brushing can actually buff away enamel.
· Stay hydrated so that your body is able to produce saliva—saliva naturally re-mineralizes teeth
· If recommended by your dentist, use toothpaste with fluoride, to aid in re-mineralization
· Use a straw when drinking acidic drinks—this prevents your teeth from becoming totally coated in the acidic beverage
Many dental patients do not realize how harmful oral acids can be. If you have questions please contact our Glendale dentists for additional information!