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Causes
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| Many of the foods
and drinks that we associate with
a modern diet, including wine, many
fruits, fruit tea and balsamic vinegar
contain acid.
The acid comes into contact with
teeth, at which point the tooth’s
hard enamel surface temporarily
softens. When we then brush our
teeth, the enamel can be worn away
more easily and become thinner over
time. This wearing of enamel, caused
by acid in our diet is called acid
erosion.
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Signs
Teeth may look healthy Dentist's torch may show transparency (light adjusted to show clinical situation).
What to look out for
Early stages:
- sensitivity when consuming hot or cold food and drinks;
- a rounded look on the surface of the tooth;
- a slight yellow appearance as the tooth becomes thinner
and the underlying dentine shows
through.
Later stages:
- darker yellow appearance of the teeth;
- transparency at the edges;
- sensitivity becoming more severe;
- small dents on the tooth surface.
The effects of acid erosion cannot be reversed & if left to advance may require treatment from the dentist to restore & protect the affected teeth. In very extreme cases the damage caused may require affected teeth to be extracted. |
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Prevention
The effects of acid erosion can affect
all ages and, once present, cannot
be reversed - protection is the best
policy.
What you can do
- Avoid brushing teeth immediately
after consuming acidic food or drinks
- its best to wait at least 1 hour
or brush beforehand
- Drink acidic drinks quickly -
don't swish them around or hold
them for long periods within your
mouth
- Brush twice a day, every day,
with a toothpaste like Sensodyne
Pronamel to help re-harden
softened tooth enamel
- Visit your dentist regularly
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