Protect Your Teeth: Foods that Cause Acid Enamel Erosion

If enamel is damaged it can eventually lead to tooth decay. The teeth will also become more yellow in appearance. The ends of the teeth can also become darkened. As there is no way to repair tooth enamel, it is important that we take care of our teeth.

In this article, we’re looking at some of the worst culprits for causing acid erosion, as well as some enamel-friendly foods and healthy habits that could help to protect your teeth. Read on to learn more about how you can protect your teeth from the dangers of acid erosion.

What is acid erosion?

Acid erosion occurs on teeth when certain foods with a high acid content – or sugary foods – come into contact with the teeth temporarily softening the surface.

Saliva acts as a natural remedy to this, restoring the natural ph balance. However, repeated acid attacks on the teeth compromise the body’s natural ability to neutralise acid in the mouth and the acid in food and drinks can start to damage enamel.

If acid enamel erosion becomes a problem the protective surface of the tooth begins to wear away exposing the dentin below. This can cause the teeth to appear yellow in colour and can lead to pain and sensitivity when eating.

Foods that can cause acid enamel erosion

If you want to limit the damage caused by acid erosion, you need to be aware which foods are most likely to cause damage. You don’t have to cut these out entirely, but you might want to limit your consumption, or adopt some enamel-friendly habits to help reduce the risk of damage.

The following foods are commonly cited at the worst for acid erosion:

All foods with a high acidity level can be problematic for teeth. While many of them are best avoided (sweets and fizzy drinks certainly), others have health merits of their own. This means that you can continue to enjoy them, but you might want to adopt some healthy habits that will reduce the risk of damage.

Daily habits that reduce risk

To minimise the effect of acid on teeth, it is best that acidic foods are eaten as part of a meal rather than as a snack. This can help to minimise acid attacks on the enamel. Snacking between meals is generally considered to be negative for your oral health, as you don’t produce as much saliva as you would during a main meal.

Another great tip is to try drinking water after consuming an acidic food or drink to help to wash away the acid. Trading your usual fizzy drink for a glass of water with your meal can limit some of the potential damage.

When enjoying wine with a meal, you should try to limit the potential for damage by drinking water alongside this. You’re also much less likely to experience a hangover when you adopt this simple habit.

Brushing teeth after eating will also help but it is important to leave a gap of up to an hour after eating acidic food as brushing when the surface is already weakened could cause further damage.

If you are using teeth-whitening products, you should also consider how these might be weakening the enamel. Overuse of whitening products, or incorrect use of these products could contribute to enamel erosion.

Finally, you can try enjoying things like the occasional fruit juice, iced coffee or fizzy drink through a straw. This will limit exposure to your teeth.

Enamel friendly foods to consider

Alongside some healthy habits for your teeth, there are also foods available that will help to support your tooth enamel.

Milk and cheese are two great examples of enamel-friendly foods. Enjoying a glass of milk alongside a meal, or eating a piece of cheese after your meal can help to support the teeth by introducing tooth-friendly calcium.

Raw vegetables are also a great way to protect your teeth from acid erosion. Snacking on raw carrot sticks and celery can go a long way to help protect your teeth from the effects of acid erosion. Pair this with a nice piece of cheese to make a lovely snack board that is great for your teeth.

You can also add more leafy greens into your diet to help introduce more vitamins and minerals into your diet. Greens like spinach and kale are loaded with calcium, which is essential for bone strength.

When to go to the dentist for help

If you’re worried about the effects of enamel erosion, you should visit your dentist for reassurance and advice. You might have noticed your teeth are becoming more sensitive, or perhaps the ends of your teeth are becoming darkened.

Your dentist and your dental hygienist will work together to get to the heart of the problem and offer practical recommendations that will support your long-term oral health. This could include simple lifestyle changes, a change to your oral care routine, or treatments like fluoride applications to support your remaining enamel.

If you have any concerns about enamel erosion, contact Bhandal Dental Practice today.