TOP TEETH: DR. GARO NAZARIAN OF COSMOPOLITAN DENTAL ON ACID EROSION
Top Teeth is written by Dr. Garo Nazarian of Cosmopolitan Dental with Peachy Deegan.
Acid Erosion or dental erosion is defined as the irreversible loss of tooth structure from chemical dissolution by acids that are NOT of bacterial origin. Many of the foods and beverages that we consume on a daily basis (such as fruits, juices, vinegars, carbonated beverages and certain types of teas) contain acid. Other sources of erosive acids are from the exposure of chlorine water and/or the regurgitation of gastric acids.
Once the acid comes into contact with the tooth structure, its enamel temporarily softens. If left unchecked it can proceed to the underlying dentin layer of the tooth. There are an array of signals to indicate the early stages of dental erosion. They include: changes in appearance and sensitivity, a rounded look on the surface of teeth, as well as a change in the shade of the teeth from white to yellow. Further stages of erosion can lead to transparency and cracking of the teeth.
Due to the fact that the effects of acid erosion on teeth are irreversible, prevention and management strategies are imperative. Some of these include: treating the underlying disorder or disease, avoid brushing immediately after comsuming the acidic foods or beverages as the enamel tends to be softest at that point, drinking through a straw, using a soft bristled toothbrush while brushing gently, applying fluoride gels to the teeth, and most importnantly, visiting your dentist on a regular basis!
