Acid erosion is the process where tooth enamel is destroyed and worn away by a high acidic content around the teeth. Enamel is the hard, protective layer of tooth which protects the sensitive dentine underneath. When the enamel is worn away, the dentine underneath is exposed, which may lead to pain, sensitivity and decay.
A client came to see us at Time Dental for a routine examination. She mentioned that she used to drink lots of water with fresh lemon squeezed in. She was told by her previous dentist that this had caused a huge amount of acid erosion which had resulted in her teeth becoming more sensitive. The tooth destruction had become so extensive that she required multiple white composite fillings in her teeth to help protect the softer dentine layer. She had since then stopped the lemon water drink
On inspection we found further areas of acid erosion occurring near the gum line of her teeth which had in fact exposed further areas of sensitive dentine. On further discussion about her lifestyle and diet we found that she daily dissolved a vitamin c tablet in water and drank it. Vitamin C is also known as Ascorbic acid, so what she didn’t know was that she was still sloshing acid on her teeth which was causing the erosion! If you are going to drink these types of drinks, the best thing to do is drink it through a straw. This by passes the teeth and will not cause the acid erosion. If your teeth are already sensitive try using a toothpaste such as Sensodyne or Colgate pro relief toothpaste. It would be a good idea to also visit your dentist as the damage may be significant and so the susceptible teeth may need extra protection such as a fluoride varnish or white composite fillings.
“Preventative dentistry is far better than cure. Visit your dentist regularly so that they can give you the appropriate advice to look after your dental health”, says Dr Rashid of Time Dental in Farnham, Surrey.
You can contact Dr Rashid at Time Dental on 01252 723 008 or visit the website
