Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Drinks that Can Eat Teeth

Your teeth are strong, but just like your bones, aren’t indestructible. What you eat, and especially what you drink, can play a huge roll in your overall mouth health. Good oral hygiene habits are essential for strong teeth, but so are the foods that you eat and the beverages that you drink.

Acidic Drink Danger

High pH levels are responsible for many oral health issues, but it all starts with the acids that can destroy the enamel on your teeth. Enamel erosion is a major problem, as it cannot be reversed. The outer layer of your teeth does not have living cells and is unable to heal itself.

When the enamel on your teeth begins to erode, the dentin that is underneath it will become exposed. Dentin is yellow in color, which could explain why your teeth will begin to discolor if you do not take proper care. Dentin exposure can also lead to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity cause pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, acidic, spicy, or even sweet food and drinks.

Acidic Drinks to Avoid

Soda-Although diet soda may be helping your waistline, it isn’t doing any good for your teeth. Diet soda is just as bad for enamel erosion as regular soda is. Even small amounts of diet or regular soda can damage teeth.

Fruit Juice-Citrus juices may have vitamins and minerals, but can also be loaded with sugar and tooth damaging acids. Your dentist in Corona explains that lime and lemon juice can be compared to battery acid.

Wine-Wine is also damaging and highly acidic. Red wine contains less acid than white does, but both should be enjoyed in moderation. Red wine can also stain your teeth.

Protection

If you want to keep the enamel on your teeth safe, your dentist in Corona recommends that you limit your intake of acidic drinks that contain high pH levels. Opt for tooth friendly low acid alternatives such as: 
  • Water
  • Milk
  • Black Coffee
  • Black Tea
  • Green Tea 

If you have already damaged the enamel on your teeth from consuming acidic drinks, your dentist can help with restorative dental procedures such as cosmetic bonding, dental crowns, or porcelain veneers.


For more information regarding enamel protection and restoration, schedule a dental checkup with your dentist in Corona today.