How to Protect Your Teeth from Acid Wear

It used to be that brushing your teeth after each meal, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year was the basic routine to protect your teeth. Over the years, though, our eating habits and lifestyles have changed. As a result, new dental problems have cropped up. Read this informative article and learn how to protect your teeth from Acid Wear. Now that Acid Wear is one of the newest buzz words in the world of dentistry today, you may need to update your daily dental hygiene in order to better protect your teeth!

What is Acid Wear?
Acid Wear happens to your teeth when particular foods and drinks you ingest- acidic items- soften the outer enamel covering. During this time, when the enamel is compromised, it's eroded away more easily than normal.

What Causes Acid Wear?
Just as its name suggests, this type of damage to your teeth is caused by eating and drinking acidic foods and drinks. Some examples of foods that are acidic are: Citrus fruits, tart candies, soups, sauces and other tomato-based products and vinegar. Some examples of acidic drinks are: diet and regular soda pop, coffee, citrus juice, beer, wine and hard liquor.

Common Signs of Acid Wear
Your dentist should examine your teeth every time you visit him/her for signs of Acid Wear. But, you can still check your teeth at home for the common signs:

1. Transparency- Look closely at the edges of your teeth. If they look transparent or clear compared to the upper parts of your teeth, you may have Acid Wear.

2. Yellow Discoloration- Teeth that look yellowish may be affected by Acid Wear. The yellow color is the Dentin underneath the enamel. When the enamel wears away, the Dentin is then visible.

3. Cracks and Indentations- To protect your teeth from Acid Wear, watch for rough cracks at the edges. Look for dents or indentations on the chewing surfaces too.

4. Sensitivity
Acid Wear can also cause your teeth to be sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.