Dental erosion is quite common but is not discussed as much as other dental issues. Dental erosion is a gateway issue for many other oral health problems. Tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and even pulp infections can arise from dental erosion. Here are some tips to avoid it:
Try to avoid acidic foods. If you do eat them, please do so with other foods with a higher pH in a meal. These can neutralize the acid and help prevent erosion. Snacking throughout the day exposes your teeth to acid for long periods of time.
You can also wash the acid away with water. You only need sip on a large glass of water while eating acidic foods. If you choose to drink acidic beverages such as orange juice or soda, do so quickly rather than sipping on it throughout the day. These strategies will limit the time the acid is in contact with your teeth.
It’s helpful to wait 20 to 30 minutes to brush your teeth after exposing your teeth to acid. Otherwise, your teeth will be more vulnerable to abrasion. If you brush too soon, the toothbrush bristles will erode your tooth enamel.
For more tooth-healthy diet tips, or to help repair eroded enamel, call Flores Dental Care in Mission, Texas, at 956-583-0055. Dr. Sylvia Ramirez Flores and our team will be happy to help!