If your goal is to maintain a healthy and strong smile for years to come, then you need to consider the types of substances to which you’re exposing your teeth. Research continues to demonstrate that foods and drinks that are rich in acid can weaken teeth over time. Today our Saint Louis dentists are here with some information and tips regarding protecting your smile from acid erosion.
Let’s begin by quickly reviewing the mechanics of acid erosion. When your tooth is exposed to acid, the acid temporarily weakens the dental enamel. During this period of time, your enamel is susceptible to thinning as well as damage. So, as you would imagine, the more you expose your teeth to acid, the weaker your smile may become.
There are some simple things that you can do to help protect your teeth from acid damage.
Make sure not to brush your smile for at least twenty to thirty minutes after eating or drinking something acidic. It takes about twenty to thirty minutes for your enamel to re-harden after acid exposure, so brushing during this period may cause inadvertent enamel erosion.
Try rinsing your mouth with water after you eat or drink. Not only does this help to clear away dental debris and acid, but it also jump-starts saliva production. Saliva is your body’s natural way of re-mineralizing and strengthening enamel!
When you do eat or drink something acidic, try to do so in a short period of time, rather than snacking or sipping continuously throughout the day. You really want to minimize the amount of time that your enamel is softened due to the acid.
Talk to your dentist about whether you should incorporate a specific type of toothpaste or mouth rinse into your routine. There are formulations on the market that are designed for acid-weakened teeth.
As always, please feel free to contact our Saint Louis dentists for more information or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to speaking with you!