Our Glendale dentists believe that one of the best ways to help patients maintain healthy teeth is to educate them about potential threats to dental health in every day life. One threat to dental health that more and dentists are concerned about is acid erosion. Most people know that sugars are harmful to their teeth, but it’s important to remember that all acidic substances can weaken dental enamel and cause demineralization.
Common acidic substances include fruits, soft drinks, and fruit juices. If these substances are left on dental enamel for a prolonged period of time, or are regularly exposed to dental enamel, the outer tooth can weaken and soften, leading to infection and damage.
There are a number of steps you can take to minimize the effect of acidic substances on your teeth:
Use a straw when consuming acidic beverages
If you frequently drink colas and juice drinks, try using a straw to consume such substances. By using a straw, you can bypass the teeth as you consume your acidic beverage of choice. Consequently, the acidic substance will be less likely to coat your dental enamel and weaken your teeth.
Rinse regularly
After you eat or drink an acidic substance, rinse your mouth with some water. The water will help to minimize the acidity and increase saliva production, which naturally remineralizes teeth.
Brush judiciously
Brushing directly after consuming acidic substances, when the enamel is still weak, may cause you to weaken and think the outside of the tooth. Rather than brushing right away, try to rinse your teeth after consuming acidic substances, and brush regularly at the beginning and end of your day.
Acid erosion is a growing problem for many patients, especially as substances like soft drinks become more frequently consumed. However, with a few simple steps, you can decrease your likelihood of experiencing dental decay or sensitivity due to acid erosion. Give our Glendale dental office a call for more information or to schedule an appointment!