Sugar or sweets are not the only culprits that can cause tooth decay and damage to your enamel. Drinks and food that have high levels of acids are also harmful. High acid foods such as oranges, wine, fruit juices, and citric fruits can cause tooth sensitivity, wear away your teeth, cause decay and discoloring. Though it can be impossible to do away with all these foods and drinks, you should know what to do to lessen their effect on your teeth.
Acids Leach Calcium From Your Enamel
The enamel is the strongest part of a tooth. It is also the protective layer of your tooth. If not well taken care of, the enamel can wear away and expose the underlying material known as dentin. This action is known as tooth erosion. High acid foods and drinks can cause tooth erosion and leach calcium from your enamel. Your teeth need calcium to stay strong, and when it is washed away by acid, they will be exposed to bacteria and other infections. Remember, the enamel does not contain living cells, which means that it cannot repair itself naturally like your skin. When damaged, it will require advanced care such as root canal, filling, crown, or extraction.
How To Prevent Enamel Damage
If you take high acid foods or drinks, there are several things that you can do to prevent tooth erosion. They include using a straw when drinking acidic beverages, eating acidic foods with other meals to help reduce their contact with your teeth, drinking low or no sugar drinks, drinking water alongside acidic foods and beverages to wash your enamel immediately, and taking some time after before brushing your teeth after taking high acids foods or drinks. Get in touch with us and know how to protect your teeth from erosion.