When most people are in their adolescence, they don’t typically think of how the food they’re eating is affecting their teeth. As people get older, their teeth naturally become more sensitive to hot and cold substances. However, certain foods can intensify that feeling tremendously. For instance, eating too many lemons can erode the enamel on a person’s teeth. At the same time, lemons can also cause discoloration and remove the glossiness on the teeth. Unfortunately, the same thing can happen from eating a lot of oranges, grapefruits, and limes based on the citric acid levels that these fruits contain. It is highly recommended that people eat these foods with a cup of water to help wash away the amount of citric acid that remain on the teeth.
Other foods and drinks that have low pH levels that can harm teeth include:
- Pickles
- Cranberries
- Tomato products (ketchup, pasta sauce, hot sauce, salsa)
- Coffee
- Alcohol (wine)
If your teeth are constantly sensitive to hot and cold foods and fluids, you may be experienced dental erosion. Call (925) 961-5484 today to schedule a checkup and allow to orthodontists at Foothill Dental Care help you maintain a healthy mouth.
With Halloween just around the corner, candy is going to be a hot ticket on the minds of both adults and children. However, parents must be aware of the result that too much candy can have their children’s teeth. Children, however, are not as susceptible to toothaches or cold and hot fluids because of sensitive teeth like adults. However, they are very susceptible to cavities, and candy is great at producing cavities. It almost seems to be its purpose for existence: to create cavities.
How Does Dental Erosion Occur?
Dental erosion occurs when people consume foods and drinks that have a high acid contents in them. The acid in the foods and drinks will wear away the enamel on the teeth and cause them to become discolored, fragile, and vulnerable to chips and breaks. The erosion process begins with the demineralization of the teeth. This is why teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold foods and fluids. Ultimately, the result of dental erosion and demineralization is tooth decay. In fact, “92% of adults 20 to 64 have had dental caries (tooth decay) in their permanent teeth” (nidcr.nih.gov, 2005).
How Do I Reduce Dental Erosion?
The best way to reduce dental erosion is to consume foods that are higher in pH levels when acidic foods are being served. For example, foods such as nuts, cheese, vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean meats are all low in acid. In fact, some of these foods may even guard tooth enamel. However, the best way to reduce dental erosion is to schedule regular appointments with your orthodontist for dental cleanings and check-ups. This will help patients identify dental erosion early so that a person may take steps to reverse the cycle of dental erosion.
To learn more about how you can prevent dental erosion, contact Foothill Dental Care in Livermore at (925) 961-5484 to schedule an appointment today. A great smile begins with a healthy mouth.