Acidic Erosion Can Affect People of All Ages

Our teeth are strong and able to withstand a lot of pressures and potentially harmful agents. However, they inevitably start wearing down over time. However, we can unwittingly speed up that process — and quite easily. We’re talking about the kind of wear that makes you lose your teeth and look for high-quality dental implants at nwdgrp.com before you know it.

Acidic erosion is a type of dental problem that can cause a lot of problems. What’s unfortunate is that it can affect anyone. It can be found in children as young as five years old, and adults aren’t strangers to it either. Of course, small children won’t have to treat their erosion with dental implants because they’re already going to replace their teeth naturally.

What’s important is raising awareness about this common and, more often than not, chronic dental problem. That way, many will know how to prevent it rather than having to treat it. While treatment is readily available, it’s always wise to avoid putting yourself and your teeth in harm’s way.

Common Causes and Symptoms of Acidic Erosion

So, what does having an acid erosion tooth mean, and what is acidic erosion really? It’s pretty simple. As the name suggests, this dental condition wears down the layers of your teeth, and acids are to blame.

The first layer of each tooth is enamel, and it has the most exposure to acids of all kinds. That’s why enamel is the first to start wearing away. Once enough enamel is gone, acids will start eating away at the dentin. This will usually leave indentations on the surface of your teeth. 

In the end, because the outer layers of your teeth are thin or completely stripped down, you’re left with some of the following symptoms:

* Hypersensitivity

* Chipping

* Discoloration

Causes of Acidic Erosion

So, what causes this dental condition? The obvious answer is acids, but that term is too broad. Where can you find these acids? In short — in foods and drinks. Of course, foods and drinks aren’t the only cause of acidic erosion. You can also blame it on acid reflux, for example. To be a bit more specific, here are some of the causes of acid erotion:

• * Citrus fruits in all forms (fruit juices, etc.)
• * Sugar-rich foods and drinks (ice cream, colas, syrups, etc.)
• * Starch-rich foods (bagels, white bread, etc.)
• * Acid reflux
• * Teeth grinding
• * Some medication
• * Eating disorders

Of course, taking one orange slice or eating some ice cream isn’t immediately going to cause acidic erosion. Take into account that you have to be exposed to these agents for a very long time before visible enamel wear starts happening. Children are often patients with acidic erosion because they eat a lot of sugary foods in between other things. The same applies to adults, but they can be affected by many other causes, too.

How Can You Treat Acidic Erosion?

While enamel is incredibly strong, it doesn’t have regenerative properties. That means once the acid wears it down, you can’t ever get it back. That’s unfortunate, but there are still available treatments for acidic erosion. The treatments include:

• * Tooth bonding
• * Veneers
• * Tooth replacement

Both tooth bonding and veneers can save what little tooth you have left and prevent further erosion. But what happens if the damage is too big and your tooth is unsalvageable? That’s when teeth implants are a great option.

To replace missing teeth, all you need is to talk to your implant dentist. During the consultation, they’ll suggest the kind of tooth implant that’s a perfect match.

Getting dental implants ensures you’re getting quality teeth that will last you a long time. These implants won’t be so easily worn down by acids because they’re made from high-quality materials.

If you notice acidic erosion on time, you may only have to replace a single tooth. So, if you think that tooth replacement options aren’t for you because they may seem pricey, think again.

Is Acidic Erosion Preventable?

Treating any condition can get expensive. There are many treatment plans, options, and medications available. That’s why it’s always wise to look into preventing disasters from happening. In the case of acidic erosion, prevention is absolutely possible. Since one of the main causes of acid erosion is food, it would be easy to just tell you to eat better. Instead, here’s what you can actually do to prevent acid erosion:

• * Ensure you have a balanced diet.
• * Forget about sugary or fizzy juices and drinks. Drink water instead.
• * Fruit is healthy, but eat it in moderation (especially citrus fruit like oranges, lemons, etc.)
• * Get professional help for acid reflux or eating disorders.

Remember that you can stop further erosion even if you already have signs of acidic damage. However, it’s unrealistic to just give up our favorite acidic foods and drinks. So, if exposure to these agents worries you, simply rinse your mouth with a mouthwash after consuming anything acidic. Another thing that neutralizes acid is dairy products.

There are plenty of ways to prevent acidic erosion from happening, no matter the age. So, even if you notice already-existing erosion, pay your dentist a visit just in case, but don’t worry too much.

Your Dentist Is Always There for You

After learning about acidic erosion, it’s natural to check your teeth immediately. Many people won’t notice anything at first, but knowing the risks of consuming acids may result in them leading a different lifestyle. Even though there are ways to prevent further erosion, visit your dentist if you notice any symptoms.

Once you go to your appointment, you’ll be able to ask them all of your burning questions regarding acid consumption. They’ll judge the overall state of your teeth and be able to give suggestions afterward. It’s also good to remember that tooth erosion happens with time anyway, so don’t restrict yourself too much.