In a previous article, we have discussed the surprising causes of tooth enamel erosion. We know that foods and drinks, medications, and other environmental factors can negatively affect your teeth. So, how can you protect your teeth and oral health? It is time we talked about how to avoid significant tooth enamel damage.
Stopping Tooth Enamel Damage
Minimizing exposure and proper tooth brushing with a soft or electric brush and fluoride toothpaste are the best preventative measures. If you do incur tooth enamel damage, you’ll need to see your dentist to repair it.
While, we should not stop eating acidic foods altogether (after all, some of them are healthy for you), we can limit the amount we do consume. This will reduce any frequent damage over a short period of time. So, remember to research which foods are acidic, in order to prevent damage. As for medications, you should know the risk of whatever you are taking. Discuss with your doctor or dentist how to combat the side effects.
The pH scale is the measurement of the hydrogen-ion concentration in an aqueous solution, indicating its degree of acidity or alkalinity. Though the measurements are not definitive, it’s possible to use commercially available, chemically treated strips to test the saliva’s pH within a few seconds. The instructions call for spitting saliva into a spoon two hours after eating, dipping the strip in it, and waiting 15 seconds to check the color that corresponds with the pH level.
Monitoring your pH level is great way to know if your teeth are at risk of tooth enamel damage. A pH of 7.0 is considered perfectly balanced, while 6.5 is acidic and 6.0 very acidic. Wine, for example, with its pH of 3.0-3.5, makes the mouth highly acidic. Once you’ve recorded an average pH by strip testing two or three times a day over a prolonged period of time, you can contact your dentist for advice or treatment as needed.
