Do you suffer with sensitive teeth when eating hot, cold foods? Would you love to be able to eat these foods again without feeling pain? Sensitive teeth can be caused by dental erosion, but it’s easy to avoid when you know how.
Enamel is the hard coating of a tooth which protects the dentine underneath. If the enamel is worn away, also known as dental erosion, this dentine is exposed which can lead to pain and sensitivity, especially while eating or brushing your teeth.
Dental erosion and your diet
Whenever we eat or drink anything acidic or very sugary, enamel on our teeth becomes softer for a short while and can lose some of its mineral content. The saliva in the mouth slowly neutralises this acidity and restores it to its natural balance. But, if you do this many times, your mouth and saliva can’t keep up with neutralising all the acid that you put in. This means that tiny enamel particles on your teeth are brushed away which can eventually lead to the surface loss of your teeth.
You can protect your teeth by avoiding or limiting fizzy drinks such as cola which causes enamel erosion. Citrus fruit juices, like lemon and orange juice, also contain natural acids which harm your teeth, especially if you drink them often. Be aware that if you drink alcopops (carbonated and sugary alcoholic drinks) often that these can also cause enamel erosion.
It’s also important to realise that carbonated water drinks can damage your teeth if you drink them in large amounts, as they contain weak acids, which are harmful to teeth. The best drink for your teeth is still water, while milk can also neutralise the acids in your mouth.
How to protect your teeth
Limiting or avoiding acidic foods and fizzy drinks is the best way to reduce the number of acid attacks on your teeth. But when you do drink, a good tip is to use a straw which allows the liquid to go to the back of your mouth, avoiding contact with your teeth. It’s best to avoid ‘swishing’ the drink around in your mouth too.
If you do have acidic foods at mealtimes, try some cheese or milk afterwards to neutralise the acid. Another good idea is to chew sugar-free gum after a meal as this produces more saliva, cancelling out the acids which form in your mouth after eating.
After eating an acidic meal, it’s wise to wait at least an hour and then brush your teeth. This time allows your teeth to build up their mineral content.
Brushing and rinsing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and suitable mouthwash as recommended by your dentist, along with attending regular dental check-ups can prevent dental erosion from going any further.
For your own peace of mind, I recommend that you consult your dentist to discuss your requirements and the various options available to you, as every individual’s case is different.
Yours in oral health,
