Are you familiar with the causes of dental erosion and what you can do to help prevent and treat it? Dental erosion is a condition in which harmful acids begin to wear away the enamel on your teeth. To help prevent further erosion and the risks of cavities, employ effective oral hygiene treatments and avoid products and causes that can easily cause it to occur. Common causes of dental erosion include the following:
– acid reflux disease and heartburn
– environmental changes
– genetics
– medications that you may be taking that produce dry mouth as a side effect
– the consumption of sugary sweets
– starchy products
– products that are high in acidity, including substances with a low pH level
If dental erosion should occur, it is important to take the necessary steps to help treat it. Furthermore, several treatments can help to prevent it from even occurring in the first place. Common treatments for dental erosion include the following:
– oral hygiene care that includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day
– products that produce saliva, including crunchy foods with a high water content
– chewing sugarless gum for a period of 20 minutes or more after eating
– the use of effective, nonabrasive tools to rinse away plaque buildup
– changes to your diet to limit the effects of products that can potentially be turned into acids that contribute to dental erosion
Has dental erosion begun to harm your smile? To learn more about which enamel erosion treatments you would prefer for enhancing your smile, contact Vernon Woods Dental and Implant Center at 404-381-1734. Come visit Dr. Kathleen Tantuco and our team at our dental office in Sandy Springs, Georgia, by scheduling an appointment at your earliest opportunity.