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From fruit and yoghurt, to fizzy drinks and coffee, a lot of our daily diets involve a heavy load of acidic products. There are significant risks to your teeth and gums through the consumption of acidic foods and drinks. The most significant impact is the erosion of the enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth. As the enamel is weaken the teeth can become highly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
There are several different types of acid that can damage your teeth and cause tooth decay. Many fruits and fruit juices contain citric acid; fizzy drinks often have high quantities of phosphoric acid; yoghurt includes lactic acid; and wine has tartaric acid. Each of these is capable of causing erosion of the teeth.
The most effective method of avoiding acidic damage to your teeth is, of course, to cut down on the quantity of food and drink consumed. Equally important is to brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and regularly floss. It is important not to brush your teeth within an hour of having had acidic food or drink. The acid temporally softens the enamel; if you brush while it is soft you will be scrubbing away the enamel yourself.
If you have already sustained damage through an acidic diet, your London dentist has several ways in which they will be able to treat you. The tooth decay that occurs through an acidic diet frequently results in the appearance of cavities, small holes in your teeth. Your local dentist will be able to fill these cavities to protect from further erosion. If you suffer from sensitive teeth and a general erosion of the enamel your dentist may advise a concentrated fluoride spray which they can apply directly to the teeth for additional strength. Speak to your dentist about acidic diets and the further preventative measures and treatments available.