Tooth Erosion causes and Prevention

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Tooth erosion occurs when the enamel of teeth gets eroded or worn away. According to Web MD, tooth enamel is the teeth’s outer covering. Providing a protective barrier for the tooth, it is very important. It will not come back once worn away, thus it is vital to understand the causes of tooth erosion as well as the preventative measures that can protect your teeth.
Acids can wear away the enamel on your teeth. This may occur when one drinks too much soda or other soft drinks. The phosphoric and citric acids are to blame. Even fruit juice can cause this erosion.
If you suffer from dry mouth or acid reflux disease, your teeth may be exposed to more acid and therefore exhibit erosion. If you consume a lot of sugar and starches in your diet, then tooth erosion can occur. Certain medications such as aspirin and antihistamines may have culpability. Other factors include genetics and environmental factors.
According to Web MD, the environmental factors of tooth erosion include wear and tear, stress, corrosion and friction. These include attrition, which is the friction that occurs when teeth are clenched or ground. Many people do this at night. Abrasion may be caused by aggressive brushing, flossing incorrectly, biting on hard things and chewing tobacco. Abfraction is when the tooth bends or flexes causing a stress fracture. Finally corrosion is caused by the acid from medications, acidic foods, vomiting and more.
There are many measures that can protect your teeth against tooth erosion. It is important to stay away from sugary drinks such as soda as well as other drinks and foods that are very high in sugar. If you do consume such food, make sure that you brush your teeth as soon as you can or at least rinse your mouth. Other acidic foods and drinks that can cause problems include drinks and fruits with citrus. If you are going to consume these drinks, utilizing a straw can help them bypass your teeth. Drinking water can be helpful, especially if you have dry mouth.
Constant eating can contribute to tooth erosion because your mouth can stay acidic for hours after exposure. Brushing or rinsing constantly can help. A fluoride toothpaste should be utilized. For some, daily fluoride treatments or sealants can be useful. Sugar-free gum helps to stimulate saliva production, which is useful in preventing tooth erosion. The ingredient xylitol can reduce acid.
It is important to do what you can to avoid tooth erosion. If you have any concerns about your teeth, then contact your dentist to discuss the preventative techniques that might work for you.