Most men and women don’t think of a tooth as a body part that fluctuates in strength. Our teeth seem to have a steady hardness and dependably grind food whenever we need them. However, teeth are dynamic organisms with continuous chemical processes.
Tooth Enamel Varies in Strength
The protective enamel that covers the softer interior is composed of minerals. Enamel demineralizes (loses some of its density) when it comes in contact with acids.
Saliva can dilute and neutralize acid so the tooth can re-harden. This process isn’t instantaneous, however.
Enamel Erosion
While the enamel is soft, the tooth is vulnerable to losing a microscopic outer layer of enamel. If the erosion continues, the much softer dentin is exposed. The dentin erodes more quickly. Eventually, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Understand Which Foods are Acidic
It is apparent that the typical diet is becoming more acidic. The list of acidic foods may surprise you. They include eggs, gravy, asparagus, chicken, cottage cheese, honey, fish, ham, butter, sour cream, aged cheese, and yogurt with active cultures. Generally, foods with a high sugar or artificial sweetener content are highly acidic. We don’t recommend eliminating the healthy foods on this list. However, we just want you to be aware of the issue.
Is Your Go-To Beverage Affecting Your Teeth?
Now let’s talk about beverages. You probably already know that soda pop and wine are not good for your teeth. Teens that sip soda all day can have acid erosion while their young teeth should be at their most durable. In addition to soda, energy drinks are very popular and dentists are noticing the effects.
If you drink soda or energy drinks often, you may want to drink water or chew sugarless gum after downing a can. Increasing saliva production can spark the remineralization process.
If your teeth have become more sensitive in general, or in response to hot or cold foods or drinks, you may have acid erosion. To schedule an examination with Christopher Bowman at Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte – Dr. Christopher A. Bowman, call 704-337-8070 today.
We are located at 1618 E Morehead St Ste 100 in Charlotte. We hope you have benefited from this article and look forward to your visit.
Contact Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte – Dr. Christopher A. Bowman:
704-337-8070
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1618 E Morehead St Ste 100
Charlotte, North Carolina
28207
