I’m sure you are aware that certain foods and beverages are more acidic than others. Do you know what they are? Citrus fruits and carbonated beverages are at the top of the list, but tomatoes and pickled vegetables are also culprits. Have you heard about how soda can clean a battery because of the acidity? Can you imagine what is happening to your teeth?
If you are a heavy soda drinker or eat citrus fruit all day, you can really be doing damage. Acid erosion is the wearing down of the teeth by a chemical means. This can make teeth thin and more susceptible to chipping. It can also lead to sensitivity. Besides cutting these foods out of your diet there are some things you can do:
- Drinking carbonated beverages with a straw placed toward the back of your mouth
- Rinsing with water
- Do not brush your teeth right after consuming acidic food (This is when the enamel is most sensitive to erosion)
- Fluoride application to keep your teeth strong
There are other causes of acid erosion such as gastric reflux and bulimia. In these cases, you should be under the care of a physician.
In either case, you should visit the dentist regularly so they can make sure you are not damaging your teeth!
