Optimum oral health focuses on building better lifestyle habits. This is because your tooth enamel is extremely important for optimum oral health. Your tooth enamel is a thin layer that guards the inner linings of a tooth. Your enamel can guard the root and pulp of a tooth from damage. If it is slowly worn away, the inside portions of a tooth will be vulnerable to infections and other damage. Thus, it is important to avoid all ailments that can slowly deteriorate or destroy your tooth enamel. This includes the rise of dental erosion. Dental erosion, also known as the enamel erosion, uses harmful acids to eat away your tooth enamel
Dental erosion is often caused by the foods and drinks you consume. Excessive soda or fruit juice consumption can give rise to enamel erosion due to the fact that they are loaded with sugars. Sugar is a known substance in your body that bacteria and plaque can break down and convert into harmful acids. Furthermore, extremely acidic products, as well as starchy foods and snacks, can also increase your risk of dental erosion. Other known causes of dental erosion include acid reflux disease, genetic predispositions, and dry mouth.
Dry mouth is dangerous because it lowers the amount of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is a naturally occurring substance that can help wash away debris and harmful acids. Due to its ability to neutralize harmful acids associated with acid reflux disease, saliva is one of the key tools necessary in the fight against dental erosion. If dental erosion is left untreated, cavities will arise. Thus, it is important to make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to produce additional saliva. This can be accomplished by chewing sugarless gum after meals or eating crunchy foods with a high water content. Furthermore, always brush and floss on a daily basis to keep your mouth clean.
Seeking a better smile and better oral health is possible with dental erosion and cavity prevention. To schedule an oral exam or professional cleaning with Dr. Kevin Solis and Dr. Trevor Craig at our dentist office in Moline, Illinois, please contact Solis Dental Group at 309-764-4944.