Regular brushing and flossing may not be enough to prevent cavities. Your diet and drinks might make cavity prevention harder. Acidic foods, which are neglected compared to sweet meals, might discolour and degrade worse.
Impact of Acids on the Mouth
Acids in the mouth erode tooth enamel and slow healing. Poor enamel makes teeth more susceptible to cavities. The actual risk is with plaque and calculus. These compounds emit acids over time. Sour candies and diet drinks may directly harm your teeth.
Your mouth can fight acid. Saliva neutralises acids and balances oral pH. However, when acids are powerful or chronic, your mouth never gets a chance to recuperate, and gum disease or dental calculus may worsen the situation.
Your teeth’ enamel is strong and protective. It shields the dentin underneath. When dentin is exposed, you may become sensitive to heat, cold, and sweetness. As erosion proceeds, cavities, infections, and profound deterioration result.
Dangerous Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and beverages harm teeth, including carbonic, citric, and phosphoric acids. Diet drinks and acidic drinks are sometimes worse for teeth than sugar.
Reducing Acidic Food Effects
It’s impractical to eliminate all acids essential to a balanced diet. You should minimise your consumption and prevent unnecessary acidity. Consume acidic meals with alkaline foods and rinse your mouth afterward to maintain good oral health.
Acidic meals may be compensated by alkaline foods like:
- Fish
- Milk
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Cheese
- Bananas and vegetables
- Whole grains
How to Protect Your Teeth
- Try not to clean your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods. It may worsen things. Let your saliva work, and thoroughly rinse with water. Also, eat sugar-free gum to increase saliva production.
- Treat acidic drinks as occasional treats. While treating yourself, use a straw to prevent acid exposure to your teeth.
- Without a straw, sip and swallow. Never swirl it in your mouth.
- When eating a very acidic dinner, try ending it with a light course to balance the acids. Cheeses are a great snack to complete a meal.
- Saliva is essential for body protection against acid. Drinking water throughout the day boosts salivary glands, and there’s no set amount to consume. Enjoy anytime.
- Protecting and renewing enamel requires calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus. Include these foods in your diet to protect your teeth.
- To prevent enamel damage, brush your teeth twice daily, after breakfast and before bed, using moderate strokes with a light brush, and never overbrush your teeth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride builds tooth enamel. You might also rinse with fluoride.
- Floss every day. Between your teeth and other hard-to-reach plaque releases acids. Also, plaque may become tartar in 24 hours.
- At least twice a year, see the dentist. Your dentist cleans, fluoridates, and evaluates your teeth. It’s great to discuss food, oral hygiene, etc. with your dentist.
Sensitive Teeth? Be Proactive
Acid erosion may make enamel sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods and beverages. If this happens, see your dentist immediately. Do not wait for your scheduled appointment. Your dentist may be able to reverse or cure dental erosion and reduce your sensitivity.
Guard Your Teeth against Acid
We must be aware of dietary acids to prevent tooth erosion. To protect yourself, clean and floss your teeth at home. If you have sensitive teeth, visit somewhere like sydneyroaddentalcare.com.au immediately. You should see your dentist often.