Enamel erosion is a common dental issue that is not discussed as much as other dental emergencies. Enamel erosion can attack your smile, promoting tooth decay and causing tooth sensitivity. It is best to avoid enamel erosion so you can have a healthy and comfortable smile. Here are some tips to help you do so.
Try to avoid eating acidic foods. If you do eat these foods, make sure to eat them with a meal rather than snacking on them throughout the day. The other foods in your meal can neutralize the acid and help your teeth. Snacking on them throughout the day exposes your teeth to acid for long periods of time.
Additionally, you can wash the acid away with water. All you need to do is sip on a big glass of water while you are eating acidic foods! This will help limit the time the acid is in contact with your smile. Drink acidic beverages such as orange juice or soda quickly rather than sipping on it throughout the day. This reduces the amount of time your teeth are exposed to acids.
It is important to wait 20-30 minutes to brush your teeth after you have eaten something acidic. Typically, the acid in the foods and drinks wear down your tooth enamel. If you brush too soon, the toothbrush bristles will also erode the enamel, as the acids have made it more sensitive to eroding influences.
For more tooth-healthy diet tips, or to help repair eroded enamel, call Ridge Park Dental at 801-773-5285. Dr. Grant Brough and our team will be happy to help!