If your answer is yes, your teeth may be at risk for acid erosion. This could feel like a slight twinge when consuming hot, cold, or sweet food and drinks.
Many of the foods we eat everyday contain acid, and most of the time we don’t realize it. For instance, did you know that honey has a pH of about 3.9? Drinks such as juice, energy drinks, and soda can also be highly acidic. As mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, acid weakens the teeth by softening the enamel surface, making the teeth more prone to decay.
Here are some tips to avoid acid erosion and prevent teeth sensitivity:
- Do not swill acidic drinks around your mouth before swallowing
- Drink cold acidic drinks through a straw
- Drink water after meals to help wash away the acids
- When possible, finish a meal with dairy products as they help neutralize the acids
- Wait at least one hour after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth. Why? Because immediately after eating, your enamel has been softened by the acid and brushing will further strip away the enamel.
- Brush teeth gently with a soft or extra soft toothbrush
- Avoid bathing your teeth in acid over long periods of time. If you’re going to eat an orange or candy, eat it all at once instead of nibbling on it all afternoon. If you’re going to have juice, drink it in one sitting rather than sipping on it for several hours.
Remember that not all sensitivity is due to acid erosion. Sensitivity can also be caused by decay, nerve pain, or other factors. It is important to see your dentist regularly to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy, and that any potential problems are detected early.
Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on www.elitesacramentodentist.com
Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Feb. 23, 2010
