From ADA: “It’s not just soda that’s contributing to an increase in tooth decay. Nationwide, students are drinking more sports drinks and fruit juices, which also contain high concentrations of sugar. The problem is with the frequency that a child’s teeth are exposed to sugar throughout the day. Nursing soft drinks significantly contributes to the development of tooth decay.
For example, if a student takes one small sip of soda, and then a minute later, takes another small sip, and then another sip—and this goes on during the course of one day—teeth are exposed over and over again to high concentrations of sugar and acid without any kind of break.
Even sugar-free soda is harmful to teeth because it contains high amounts of acid, leading to a breakdown in dental enamel. Because students typically do not brush their teeth during school hours, their risk of getting cavities increases dramatically.”
Benefits of Drinking Water:
“There are many benefits to drinking water:
Reduces muscle cramping and fatigue when consumed before, during, and after exercise.
Regulates body temperature. To sweat, you need plenty of water.
Helps you get well when you’re sick by controlling fever and replacing lost fluid.
Keeps you hydrated, alert, and energized. Even minor dehydration can cause a loss of concentration, fatigue, and irritability.
Prevents you from confusing hunger with thirst, which can help you control your weight.”
In the above picutre, we have both photos and x-ray images of a healthy mouth vs. a mouth that has had major decay caused by a soda drinking habit. Soda: It’s not hip to sip!
Not only is enamel the most highly mineralized substance in the body, but it also acts as defensive “shell” that protects your teeth from the damaging effects of acid and plaque. However, unlike your immune system that can bounce back after a crippling blow, enamel doesn’t regenerate. Once it’s lost, it’s gone forever.
Typically, a healthy mouth is sitting somewhere between 6 and 8 on the pH scale, with 7 being considered neutral. As you start to move lower on the scale and things become more acidic, you’re at a higher risk of causing damage to your teeth. To put things into perspective, enamel erosion begins at a pH level of 4. Common household items such as orange juice and soda come in around 3, while some “sour” candy can get as low as 2 – almost the equivalent of battery acid!
Whenever you consume something acidic, you expose your teeth to what’s commonly known as an “acid attack”. Lasting about 20
minutes with each exposure, acid attacks work to slowly demineralize your enamel. What ends up happening is the bacteria in your mouth
reacts with food to produce lactic acid and other harmful byproducts begin to eat away at your teeth.
Over time, if you don’t take proper care of your dental health, enamel will completely erode and leave your teeth exposed.
“Tooth erosion is a common dental concern. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that more than one third of children and adults worldwide may exhibit dental erosion. Tooth wear can take a number of forms, all of which may cause sensitivity and discomfort. Knowing how to prevent tooth erosion can help your teeth stay strong and healthy!
Why Is Your Tooth Wearing Away?
Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth enamel caused by acids in the mouth. It occurs in populations across the globe and affects people of all ages. Dietary habits, conditions such as bulimia and poor oral care can all lead to tooth erosion.
Erosion caused by diet often appears as a hollowed-out area on the chewing surface of the tooth. Drinking sodas, alcohol or energy drinks increases the likelihood of eroding your teeth, especially if you swish the liquids prior to swallowing. This causes the acid to wash across the surface of the teeth and wear away the enamel. While consuming these drinks does not always lead to erosion, it affects the pH of the mouth and contributes to an acidic environment.
Having these drinks with a meal may help balance the amount of acid in the mouth. It is also possible to reduce the acidity level by consuming the drink in a short period of time, as opposed to sipping it. This allows the oral cavity to restore a normal pH balance.
Those who are regularly exposed to environments with higher levels of acid, such as factory workers or swimmers, may have increased dental erosion, reports the ADA. Patients who have bulimia, reflux or digestive disorders may notice erosion on the tongue and interior palate side of the tooth, as opposed to the side of the tooth that sits against the cheeks and lips.
3 Types of Tooth Wear
Dental erosion occurs when acid comes in contact with the teeth. Three other kinds of tooth wear include attrition, abfraction and abrasion.
Attrition involves tooth-to-tooth contact, most often teeth grinding or improper biting. This type of tooth wear breaks down and flattens the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Abfraction occurs when regular grinding or a misaligned bite create an abnormal load on the tooth. This results in a notch on the side of the tooth near the gumline. A dentist or dental hygienist will often recommend a night guard for patients exhibiting abfraction. Orthodontic treatment can help align the teeth to ensure they come together properly.
Abrasion can appear similar to abfraction, but it is caused by an external mechanical force, such as a toothbrush. If a patient is brushing too hard against the surface of the tooth or using a toothbrush with hard bristles, the constant wear can cause a notch-like surface at the gumline. Your dental hygienist can give you instructions on proper brushing techniques to avoid continued wear on the tooth surface.
Treatment for Tooth Wear
Those with abfraction or abrasion can have a filling placed on the side of the tooth over the damaged surface to help protect against continued wear, although it may not be medically necessary. Alternatively, a patient may choose to have fluoride applied at their six-month preventive care appointments or use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help with sensitivity. Your dentist or dental hygienist may also continue monitoring the site of the tooth wear to ensure it doesn’t worsen.
Your enamel won’t grow back, but not all is lost! You can take measures to prevent further erosion and preserve your smile. Knowing how to take care of your teeth and practicing good habits recommended by your dental professionals can help your smile last a lifetime!”
Normal Teeth vs Wear from grindingNormal teeth vs acid attackNormal teeth vs soda destruction
