Tooth erosion is a title that sounds so scary it almost seems like it could be mad up. It's not! Not only is it real, it's irreversible and can ultimately lead to the loss of teeth. Acidic foods and drinks are the leading cause of tooth erosion and should be consumed in moderation and with careful consideration.
Highly Acidic Foods and Drinks
Highly acidic foods and drinks can eat away at the enamel that acts as the protective shield for your teeth. So, what are some foods and drinks that are very low in pH levels?
Tap Water 7.5pH
Tomatoes 4.5pH
Root Beer 3.9 pH
Orange Juice 3.8pH
Apples 3.5 pH
Diet Cola 3.1 pH
Tea 2.9pH
Coffee 2.6pH
Cola 2.4pH
Sports Drinks 2.3pH
Wine 2.3pH
Lemon Juice 2pH
Battery Acid 1pH
It's important to note that anything below a pH of 4 will trigger erosion in your teeth. When you look at that list, it's not hard to find things that you consume on at least a semi-regular basis. This isn't to say that you should stop eating and drinking highly acidic food and drinks.
We at Madison Oral Surgery & Dental Implants firmly believe in educating our patients on oral health issues so that they can be informed and make decisions from a place of knowledge.
How to Prevent Tooth Erosion
As long as you realize that food or drink is acidic, you can take steps to lessen the negative effects that your teeth experience. Brushing after meals can make a big difference. Probably the most convenient and easy way to wash away acidic food and drink is simply rinsing your mouth out with water.
Go easy on the brushing! Many people believe that if brushing lightly is effective, brushing hard is more effective. This isn't true! Brushing with vigor and pressure can actually erode your teeth, further adding Contact us to schedule an appointment today!