06 Jul Beware of an Acidic Diet
If you want to preserve the integrity of your teeth, you’ll want to limit your consumption of acidic foods and beverages, which can eat away at your enamel and potentially cause a number of dental problems.
Unfortunately, when enamel erodes, it can cause symptoms such as discoloration or sensitivity. While dentistry offers treatments to counteract such symptoms, it’s preferable to keep your enamel strong so that you won’t need to pursue those treatments.
Enamel erosion can also make the teeth more susceptible to cavities, requiring restorative dentistry treatments. If the decay is severe enough, the tooth may need to be extracted by an oral surgeon.
Drinks like sodas, fruit juices and wine have high acid content, as do certain fruits and vegetables, like citrus fruits and tomatoes, for example. If you eat or drink a lot of these items, even if you think you’re making healthy choices, you may be causing significant wear and tear on your teeth.
Certain health conditions, including bulimia and acid reflux can also expose your enamel to an acidic environment and create dental health concerns, as well. If you have such a condition, be sure to get treatment for it to protect your oral health.
Patients who don’t want to eliminate acidic foods and drinks from their diets can take steps to minimize the contact between the teeth and the acid. For example, drinking sodas through a straw cuts down on the amount of acidic substance that actually touches the teeth.
Good oral hygiene can also help to reduce the presence of acids in your mouth by keeping bacteria at bay. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help to stimulate the production of saliva, which can help clear away any acidic substances that may linger after your meal.
An acidic diet can be harmful to your teeth. Contact our office to speak with one of our experts and learn about the ways that you can protect your enamel.