What Does Acid Erosion Do to Teeth?

July 23, 2019 7:22 pm Published by
Acid is the enemy of healthy teeth. At Dental Solutions of Avon, much of our preventive care revolves around helping our patients limit the exposure of their pearly whites to acid, which in turn can limit enamel erosion. However, there are many steps you and your family can take to protect your teeth from acid erosion. blond woman covering her mouth with acid erosion on her teeth

What Is Acid Erosion?

Erosion occurs when acid wears away on tooth enamel over time. Tooth enamel is the protective coating on the surface of your teeth and is the hardest surface in your body, but it isn’t immune to acid erosion. In the early stages, acid erosion can cause side effects like increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Severe erosion, however, can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Enamel does not have living cells that would enable it to regenerate, so damage to enamel is permanent.

Modify Your Diet to Limit Acid Erosion

One of the main sources of acid erosion comes from your diet. If you consume a diet high in acidic foods like citrus, coffee, wine, or soda, you are risking acid erosion. You can still enjoy acidic foods in moderation, but next time drink a glass of water afterwards. This will wash teeth clean and rinse any acidic residue away.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Besides your diet, your oral hygiene is another contributor to acid erosion. Poor oral hygiene creates an environment where the bad bacteria in your mouth easily feed on leftover food particles. As they break down food particles, bacteria produce acid. Over time, this can develop into plaque, a sticky biofilm that’s a mix of bacteria and acid. Plaque can irritate the gums, wear away on enamel, and lead to cavities and decay. Protect your smile from acid erosion by limiting your acid intake and practicing good oral hygiene. To ask our team any questions or to schedule your next appointment, call us today! Contact Us

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