The human body is a wondrous thing with the ability to heal itself in certain situations. Unfortunately, one of those situations is not when tooth enamel has worn away. Our enamel—the strong, outermost layer of our teeth—does not have the capacity to grow back once it’s gone. Needless to say, we should be doing everything we can to make sure to protect it so that it can continue to do its job protecting the inner parts of each tooth.
There are many different ways to prevent enamel erosion and one of them is to watch what kinds of substances you expose your teeth to. Here are some foods and drinks that cause enamel erosion and should be consumed with caution:
Citrus
An orange juice to start the morning, a lemonade on a hot summer day; citrus is great for so many things. The problem is that it’s also highly acidic and that acid can wear away at your enamel. To combat this, rinse your mouth out with water after consuming citrus, use straws with citrus juices, and better that you don’t suck on citrus slices just for the fun of it.
Alcohol
There are plenty of studies out there about the ways in which alcohol isn’t good for our bodies. One of these is what alcohol can do to your mouth. Alcohol causes dry mouth, and without saliva, food particles stick to our teeth for longer. This, in turn, can lead to enamel erosion. If you consume alcohol, keep things in moderation and remember to stay hydrated!
Dried Fruits
You may think, “Hey! Fruit is healthy, isn’t it?” In general, yes fruit is healthy. But dried fruit in particular is super sticky and sugary. That combination means that the sugar is left stuck around and in between your teeth, and once that happens it opens the door to enamel erosion.
Enamel Protection at Reen Chung, DDS
If you’ve experienced enamel erosion and you’re wondering what you can do to keep your teeth healthy, contact us at Reen Chung, DDS. With our variety of services, we can come up with a custom treatment plan to strengthen and improve your teeth so that your smile stays in its best shape. Dr. Chung and the rest of our team are ready to help you on your dental journey!
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