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Do you know that the condition of your mouth can affect your overall health? Your mouth is the doorway to your body. If there is something wrong with your oral health, it can affect the rest of your body as well.

What is dental erosion?

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but acid wears it away over time. Plaque buildup on teeth causes bacteria to produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. These acids eat away at the protective layer of your teeth until holes form in them. Although acidic foods and drinks are the biggest culprits when it comes to dental erosion, acid reflux also plays a big role.

If you have severe acid reflux or gastric reflux disease, stomach acid may be seeping up into your esophagus, causing you to cough or choke throughout the night. This can cause erosion of your upper front teeth due to frequent exposure to stomach acids. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can help you determine whether or not your symptoms are severe enough to warrant treatment. If so, they can suggest a number of treatment options to help you manage the symptoms of GERD.

What causes dental erosion?

When acids from sugary foods and drinks get trapped in your mouth, they can attack your teeth directly after they finish eating or drinking. Over time, this can lead to the loss of tooth enamel and tooth decay. Harmful mouth bacteria can also affect the health and structure of teeth by eroding them. When you control your acid levels and the bacteria in your mouth, you can reduce your risk of dental erosion and avoid extensive dental treatments.

The best way to avoid dental erosion is to try to avoid excessively acidic foods and limit snacking between meals. If you must snack, choose foods that are low in sugar and have high amounts of calcium, such as dairy products. Plaque-fighting fluoride rinses can also help protect your teeth against dental erosion by helping to strengthen tooth enamel. Speak to your dentist about other ways to protect your teeth from the effects of harmful mouth bacteria and acids.

How can I prevent dental erosion?

Eating acidic foods can erode your enamel, which will lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, and other issues. There are many steps you can take to buffer your mouth’s pH level and reduce acid levels. Some of them are simple lifestyle changes that you can make immediately. Others require a more comprehensive approach that can take months or even years to implement. But they all can help you avoid dental erosion.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, but be careful not to brush too hard. Use a toothbrush with a soft head or an electric toothbrush if you have sensitive teeth. It is especially important to make sure that you are brushing your tongue when you brush your teeth. When food particles linger on your tongue, they can break down into acids that will damage your teeth.
• Drink water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and wash away leftover food and saliva. You can also drink water right after you eat a meal to wash out your mouth. Drinking through a straw can also help you avoid damaging the enamel on your teeth.
• Snack smart. Limit the amount of sugary, processed foods you eat, especially between meals when your saliva levels are low. Eat healthy snacks instead, like fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, and cheese. If you are at risk of dry mouth, consider chewing sugarless gum to stimulate the production of more saliva.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and examinations. Your dentist will be able to spot any warning signs of wear and tear on your enamel early so you can take steps to protect your smile from damage. He or she will also recommend specific treatments to repair and rebuild damaged enamel.
• Consider using a mouthwash with fluoride after you brush at night. This will help to strengthen your tooth enamel while you sleep so you won’t wake up with morning breath. You can use over-the-counter rinses or ask your dentist for a prescription-strength option that will help to correct minor issues