3 Ways to Prevent Enamel Erosion and Tooth Decay
Posted on December 17, 2019
Some San Francisco dental patients go to the dentist every 6 months because they know they’re supposed to. But they don’t understand the importance of tooth enamel and protecting their teeth from losing it. Here’s a discussion about why tooth enamel is important, and 3 ways you can prevent enamel erosion to avoid tooth decay.
What is Tooth Enamel?
Tooth enamel is translucent, naturally occurring part of your teeth. It protects teeth from many things that San Francisco dental patients want to avoid, including:
The important thing for San Francisco dental patients to know is that once you lose tooth enamel, there’s nothing your dentist can do to bring it back or re-grow it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good, leaving you susceptible to enamel erosion side effects like tooth decay.
Tips San Francisco Dental Patients Can Follow to Prevent Tooth Enamel Erosion
Since we’ve already established that there’s nothing a dentist can do to bring tooth enamel back once it’s gone, San Francisco dental patients want to take extra care to make sure they don’t inadvertently erode their tooth enamel. Here are 3 tips for doing so.
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Reduce Your Consumption of Acidic Food and Drinks
The best way to prevent tooth enamel erosion is to avoid the food and drinks that cause it, to begin with. That means cutting back on foods like citrus fruits, as well as acidic beverages like sodas and fruit juices.
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If You Do Eat or Drink Something Acidic, Rinse Your Mouth with Water When You’re Done
We know sometimes you’ve just got a craving you need to fill. If you do end up eating or drinking something acidic, dentists agree the best way to avoid tooth enamel erosion is to rinse your mouth with water as soon as possible. Doing so will wash away the acidic properties left on your teeth, so they can’t eat away at your tooth enamel.
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Use Straws When Drinking Sodas or Fruit Juices
If giving up sodas or fruit juices just isn’t a viable option for you, remember to use a straw when drinking these beverages. By using a straw, you bypass your teeth, so that the acidity of these beverages never even touches them!
If You’re Concerned About How Tooth Erosion Might Cause Tooth Decay, Talk to Our Dentists
Maybe you grew up in a family that drank lots of fruit juices or sodas, and you’re afraid it’s too late to save your tooth enamel. If that’s the case, what can you do to prevent your teeth from decaying?
The answer is to talk to your dentist
Even though once tooth enamel has eroded and it’s gone for good, there are still good oral hygiene practices you can follow to protect your teeth from tooth decay. The first is to immediately start following the three steps outlined above anytime you consume something acidic. The next is to:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss your teeth once a day
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash every day
If you are ready to schedule your next dentist appointment, call our practice today at (415) 757-0110.