Did you know that in certain circumstances, brushing your teeth can actually be harmful? In fact, you are probably making this mistake far more times than you realise.
Credt: Pixabay:Geralt
We all know that sugar is the enemy of good dental health, and no doubt, you were told as a child to minimise the amount of sugar you consume. This is why Clinica Dental la Plaza advise that sugar consumption is limited to meal times as far as possible, and always in moderation.
Why is acid harmful to teeth?
If not, those frequent sugar attacks force the bacteria in your mouth to constantly produce acid, which ultimately creates cavities that are also full of bacteria. This is because acid makes teeth extremely sensitive, dissolving and washing away your enamel, which is irreplaceable.
Therefore, it is not the food itself, but the acid that actually causes harm to teeth, including the acid found in foods considered healthy. One particular food type that falls into this category is fruit, with lemons and limes being particularly acidic, with pH levels as low as 1. Put into perspective, this is incredibly strong, considering that any food with a pH level below 7 is considered acidic.
What foods contribute to acid erosion?
Not surprisingly, the list of foods that are high in acid includes wines, fruit teas, fruit juices, cider, and fizzy drinks (especially Coke and energy drinks). However, other food items, such as pickles, vinegar dressings, and tomato products and sauces, also fall into this category. If you were to brush your teeth immediately after consuming any of these, you run the risk of scratching off the already soft enamel, making the tooth even thinner.
In fact, brushing your teeth immediately after drinking lemon water can actually multiply enamel damage by 10,000 times. Conversely, by waiting, you allow the saliva in your mouth to work its magic. One of the functions of saliva is to repair acid damage with calcium. Clinica Dental la Plaza recommends waiting at least several hours before brushing, or until the morning.
What is the effect of acid erosion on teeth?
Unfortunately, the effects of acid damage can lead to noticeable physical changes in your teeth. Aside from being thinner, eroded teeth are often discoloured, and the yellow dentine shines through from below. In addition, teeth severely damaged by acid will have thin, chipped edges, effectively reducing the size of the individual tooth.
How to protect your teeth from acid erosion
To help fight acid erosion, Clinica Dental la Plaza recommends that when it’s safe to brush, you use a fluoride toothpaste, which helps strengthen the enamel. They further advise that you restrict brushing to twice a day, opting for your main clean before breakfast or any fruit, or in the morning.
Aside from delaying brushing, Clinica Dental la Plaza also advises eating any acidic foods alongside foods that are low in acidity to counteract the effects. Low acid foods include nuts, cheese, oatmeal, bananas, eggs, vegetables, brown rice and whole grains.
Of course, the best thing you can do for your teeth is to visit your dentist for a yearly checkup. Not only will they be able to carry out a thorough clean, but they will also be able to identify the early signs of acid erosion and address more advanced damage. For example, chipping can be fixed with composite resins.
If you are concerned that your teeth have been affected by acid erosion, book in for a consultation with Clinica Dental la Plaza to ascertain what can be done to restore and strengthen your teeth.
Clinica Dental la Plaza
- Address: Ctra Cabo la Nau, Pla 122 Local 5, JAVEA O3730, ALICANTE
- Telephone: +34 96 646 1120
- WhatsApp: +34 680 500 357
- Emergencies: 606 936 012
- Email: info@clinicadentallaplaza.com