TEETH EROSIN - Stomach Upset and Your Teeth

   Erosion: Stomach Upset and Your Teeth

                  Frequent stomach upset can cause a gradual wearing away of the protective enamel on your teeth, a process known as tooth erosion. This can affect the appearance of your teeth and open the door for harmful bacteria that cause cavities.

How Do Stomach Problems Affect My Teeth?

                 Your stomach produces natural acids that help your body digest food. Sometimes, these acids travel up the throat and into the mouth, especially after a large meal. Ordinarily, our saliva rebalances the acid levels in our mouth and everything’s fine. 

But for those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux or GERD, gastric acids reach the mouth throughout the day. This process is especially damaging when you’re asleep, since you are swallowing less often and your mouth is producing less saliva.

Another concern is the dry mouth caused by many acid reflux medicines. Saliva not only helps neutralize the acids caused by acid reflux, but also helps to wash away food particles and reduce bacteria that attack tooth enamel. This is why lower saliva production may increase your risk for cavities. 

What Does Reflux-Related Erosion Do to My Teeth?

TEETH EROSION

Acid reflux can wear away the enamel on the inside surfaces of your teeth, as well as the chewing surfaces. Your dentist may notice this during an examination.

Unfortunately, tooth erosion is permanent. If your enamel has started to wear away, you may:

• Feel pain or sensitivity when consuming hot, cold or sweet drinks

• Yellowish discoloration of the teeth

• Cavities over time

• Develop an abscess, in extreme cases

• Experience tooth loss, also in extreme cases

How to Protect Your Teeth – And Get Relief

• Chewing sugar-free gum can encourage saliva production, which helps neutralize and wash away the acids in your mouth. 

• Prescription or over-the-counter fluoride and desensitizing toothpastes may help strengthen tooth enamel. 

• Avoiding alcohol and smoking and refraining may reduce the frequency of acid reflux episodes.

• If heartburn, acid reflux or other stomach problems are part of your daily life, work with your physician on a care plan to treat the underlying causes of your stomach troubles. 

• If you suffer from acid reflux, see your dentist regularly so they can make sure your teeth stay healthy, recommend ways to prevent tooth enamel erosion and suggest ways to get relief if you are also suffering from dry mouth.

Conclusion

      Once erosion occurs,your treatment you may need fillings, crowns, a root canal or even tooth removal. Veneers may be an option to restore the look of your smile. 

                                                    

                                                No:2/2, First Floor, Sakthi Nagar,

                                                Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Thuraipakkam,

                                                Chennai - 600 097,

                                                Phone :- 9786688755,044-49504825

                                                          Email :- rootzdentalcare@gmail.com

Erosion of teeth

ACID EROSION

Sugar isn’t the only culprit when it comes to tooth decay. High levels of acid in everyday foods and drinks can be just as harmful. From oranges to wine, high-acid foods and drinks can wear away your teeth, causing decay, sensitivity and discoloring. But that doesn’t mean you have to strike all acidic foods and drinks from your diet. The way you consume these items can lessen their damage on your teeth.

EROSION LEADS TO DECAY

Tooth erosion:

When the enamel, or protective surface of your teeth, wears away, it exposes the underlying material, called dentin. This leaves your tooth vulnerable to plaque and bacteria, which cause decay.

Causes:

Calcium is a key ingredient in building strong teeth. Unfortunately, exposing your teeth to acid can leach calcium from your enamel, causing this protective surface to break down. Acid can come from many sources, including the following:

·         Carbonated drinks. All soft drinks, contain high levels of acid that can easily dissolve your enamel.

·         Wine. Whether you choose red, white or rose, drinking 
     wine will soften your enamel.

·         Fruit juice. The most acidic options include lemon, cranberry, orange and apple.

CITRUS FRUITS

CANDIES

·         
           Citric fruits. Snacking on oranges, lemons and limes can wear down your teeth.

·         Candy. No sugary sweets are good for your teeth, but you should pay extra attention to avoid sour gummies and candies.

·         Sugar. Even though sugar itself does not contain high levels of acidity, it promotes the growth of acid-creating bacteria in your mouth, creating an acidic environment.

·         Stomach acid. Vomiting and reflux also can cause serious tooth damage when stomach acid comes into contact with your teeth. If you suffer from an eating disorder, acid reflux or a related condition, seek professional help.

Signs:

Acid wear may lead to serious dental problems. It is important to notice the signs of tooth erosion in its early stages (sensitivity and discoloration) before more severe damage occur, such as cracks, pain and decay.

·         Sensitivity. As your teeth’s protective enamel wears away, you may feel a twinge of pain when you consume hot, cold or sweet food and drink. As more enamel is worn away, teeth become increasingly sensitive.

·         Discoloration. Teeth can become increasingly yellow as the thinning enamel layer exposes the underlying dentin.

·         Rounded teeth. Your teeth may have a rounded or “sand-blasted” look.

·         Transparency. Your front teeth may appear slightly translucent near the edges.

·         Cracks. Small cracks and roughness may appear at the edges of teeth.

·         Cupping. Small dents may appear on the chewing surface of the teeth, and fillings may appear to be rising up out of the tooth.

Prevention:

Follow these tips to reduce the effects of acid on your teeth.

·         Eat with meals. Instead of snacking throughout the day, save acidic foods for mealtimes. This will reduce their contact with your teeth and help neutralize the acid by eating it with other foods.

·         Wash down with water. Sip water alongside or after the acidic food or drink to wash it out of your mouth.

·         Use a straw. If you must drink acidic beverages, reduce their contact with your teeth by using a straw and finishing the drink quickly, instead of sipping over a long period of time.

·         Say no to bubbles. Swap out carbonated drinks with water, milk 
     or tea.

·         Wait before brushing. Acid softens your enamel, so brushing immediately after eating or drinking high-acid foods or drinks can actually cause damage. Wait at least half an hour and then start brushing. In the meantime, you can always rinse your mouth with tap water.

c   CONCLUSION:

                           Dental erosion is a multifactorial condition. To prevent further progression, it is important to detect this condition as early as possible and detect the main etiologic factor of tooth wear in order to initiate adequate preventive and therapeutic measures.

For more information regarding treatments contact us today.

                                             

                       Rootz Dental Care and Implant Center, 

                                            No:2/2, First Floor, Sakthi Nagar,

                                            Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Thuraipakkam,

                                            Chennai - 600 097,

                                            Phone :- 9786688755,044-49504825

                                                     Email :- rootzdentalcare@gmail.com