Acidic Erosion
Definition of Acidic Erosion
Loss of tooth structure caused by acid exposure eroding the enamel.
Acidic Erosion Causes
- Intrinsic - acid reflux, bulimia, GERD and frequent vomiting
- Extrinsic - frequent consumption of foods and beverages with high acidic content. Check out the acidity levels of common items here!
- Symptoms of Acidic Erosion:
- Thin enamel
- Rough ridges or ledges on surfaces of enamel
- Shiny surfaces
- Cupping or divots on occlusal surfaces
- Incisal edges of the teeth become grooved and chipped, exposing underlying dentin
- Incisal chipping on the teeth, which may appear darker/more yellow as dentin is exposed
Treatment for Acidic Erosion
- The key here is prevention and management. Keep the acidity level of your mouth as close to neutral as possible by minimizing length and frequency of exposure to any acidic drinks and foods.
- Avoid or reduce frequent intake of acidic beverages
- Identify your risk factors.
- Use a straw when drinking to minimize acid contact with tooth surfaces.
- Select beverages containing calcium, phosphate or fluoride, and rinse with water or drink milk after acid exposure in order to lessen erosive attacks.
- Use dentifrices with a high fluoride concentration to strengthen enamel surfaces and low abrasiveness levels: MI paste, Prevident toothpaste, Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste.
- Avoid toothbrushing immediately after acid exposure; wait at least 30 minutes to allow the tooth surface recovery from acid attacks.
- Chew sugarless gum
- If you think you may suffer from acid reflux, bulimia or GERD, see your primary care physician for diagnosis and treatment options.
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