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Crescent Lodge Dental Practice Clapham

Toothwear and Acid Erosion

Tooth wear can cause tooth sensitivity and lead to changes in your bite that can, in turn, cause headaches, neck pain and back pain. Our modern diets are far more acidic than they have been in previous times. Overconsumption of acidic foods and drink can soften the enamel in your teeth and make it prone to being worn away and can be worsened by the action of chewing and grinding, or even brushing too hard. Once enamel is worn away, the underlying dentine becomes exposed and this can lead to pain and sensitivity. Issues with tooth erosion are becoming increasingly common today and should not be ignored.

To book a consultation or to find out more about toothwear & acid erosion in Clapham Common, London, get in touch with our friendly team by calling 020 7622 5333 or sending an email to reception@dentistsw4.com.

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Acidic diets

Today, we are so bombarded with health messages that it can be overwhelming and difficult to know what to do for the best. However, when it comes to protecting our teeth from acid erosion, there are several foods and drinks we should refrain from; including fruit juices, fizzy drinks (including low calorie and sports drinks), citrus fruits and many alcoholic drinks.

Crescent Lodge Dental Practice Clapham

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Dentist Top Tips

Here are some top tips for keeping acid at bay:

  • Consume acidic foods and drinks at meal times and no more than four times a day
  • Drink still water between meals – or milk, as it helps neutralise the acids in your mouth
  • Limit fruit juice to once per day and avoid fizzy, sparkling and alcoholic drinks
  • Rinse your mouth with water for 30 seconds after consuming acidic food or drink
  • Chew sugar free xylitol gum after consuming acidic foods or drink
  • Wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth after consuming acidic food or drink.

Solutions for worn teeth

The talented dentists and hygienists at Crescent Lodge Dental Practice in Clapham, London, can provide a number of solutions to the many issues that stem from acid erosion, such as sensitivity, chipped teeth, tooth discolouration and loss of shine. For example, tooth-coloured fillings, made of a material called composite resin, can provide a cosmetic, minimally invasive and cost effective solution. For more severely worn teeth it may be better to consider using ceramic restorations. These can provide a beautiful and durable answer to the problems that wear can cause.

For more information or to book a consultation with our dentist in Clapham Common, Clapham, please contact us today! Call us on 020 7622 5333, email reception@dentistsw4.com or complete our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

As good for you as they are, many fruits, particularly citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, are highly acidic. Other foods are perhaps less surprisingly acidic, such as sweets and sugary snacks.

Acidic foods, such as orange juice, weaken the enamel in your teeth, meaning that if you brush straight after, you are likely removing some of it. Enamel is vital for protecting your teeth from pain and sensitivity.

Those whose teeth have fallen prone to acid erosion will likely experience: sensitivity to hold, cold or sugary foods; discolouration; cracks and chips; and severe pain in their teeth.

The problems caused by acid erosion are multiple, and therefore, so are the treatments. If it’s very mild and detected early, it may be as simple as modifying your diet. If it is more advanced, there are different types of treatments such as composite fillings, veneers or crowns. If you are experiencing symptoms of acid erosion, book a free consultation with us and we will work to formulate your treatment plan.

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