How to Prevent Tooth Erosion
Many people have heard about tooth decay before, which is one of the most common and well-known dental problems that people face. Not as many people are aware of tooth erosion, however. In fact, many people think that tooth decay and tooth erosion are synonymous when in fact they are two very distinct dental problems with unique causes. The team at our Montreal cosmetic dentistry practice would like to take a few moments right now to look at the basics of tooth erosion, which should give you a better understanding of its causes and how you can prevent it from occurring.
What is tooth erosion?
Also known as acid erosion and dental erosion, tooth erosion refers to the breakdown of tooth material as a result of exposure to acidic substances. This is distinct from tooth decay, which refers to the breakdown of tooth material as a result of plaque build up. If left untreated, tooth erosion can cause a person's teeth to being brittle and jagged.
What causes tooth erosion?
The most common causes of tooth erosion are substances which have an acidic pH rather than a basic pH. Some substances with acidic pH are more common than you think. For instance, here are some common foods and beverages that can contribute to acid erosion:
- Beer
- Lemon juice
- Vinegar
- Coffee
- Soft drinks
- Wine
In addition, gastric fluid from the digestive tract can also cause teeth to erode. This is why people suffering from bulimia will often have poor dental health.
When you visit our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center in Westmount, we will be sure to monitor you for both tooth decay and tooth erosion since both are serious matters to take into account.
Tips for Preventing Tooth Erosion
One of the best options for preventing tooth erosion is to brush your teeth after every meal. This will remove any acidic substances from the teeth or the mouth, while also helping fight tooth decay. Flossing is also of the utmost importance after every meal since acidic substances can hide between teeth just as plaque can.
Our dental care team also recommends staying well hydrated with clean water throughout the day. Water will help maintain a less acidic pH within the mouth and keep the mouth moist as well, which reduces the chance of acid erosion occurring.
Treatments for Tooth Erosion
When treating tooth erosion, we will need to look into treatments that will improve the overall strength of the tooth while rebuilding compromised tooth material. Montreal porcelain veneers may not be a good option for treatment since they are cosmetic in nature. Instead, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns may be more ideal since these will restore the strength as well as the appearance of a damaged tooth.
Learn More About Advanced Dental Care Treatment
For more information about tooth erosion, tooth decay, and other important dental health topics, be sure to contact our Westmount cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. During your visit, we can discuss these matters in greater detail and also go into the various treatment options that we can use to give you optimal dental health.
