Miami Beach Dentist Discusses The Four Habits that Can Wear Down Your Teeth Fast

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Worn Teeth or dental erosion is a common and often painful condition that happens when your teeth get worn down over time. I am sure you have seen it many times. However, some habits/activities, including drinking soda and teeth grinding, can wear down your teeth even faster.

How does it happen? Dental erosion happens when the hard part on the outside of your tooth, known as the enamel, gets damaged, typically because of acid. The enamel is composed of minerals, and, once damaged, the loss is permanent. When dental erosion occurs, teeth can become extremely sensitive and need to be repaired, with a crown, dental bridges, or veneers. Erosion usually shows up as hollows in the teeth and a general wearing away of the tooth surface and biting edges. This can expose the dentine underneath, which is a darker, yellower colour than the enamel. Because the dentine is sensitive, your teeth can also be more sensitive to heat and cold, or acidic foods and drinks.

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Some medical conditions can contribute to dental enamel erosion. Bulimia is a condition where patients make themselves sick so that they lose weight. Because there are high levels of acid in the vomit, this can cause damage to tooth enamel.

Acids produced by the stomach can come up into the mouth (this is called gastro-oesophageal reflux). People suffering from hiatus hernia or oesophageal problems, or who drink too much alcohol, may also find they suffer from dental erosion due to vomiting.

There are many habits, activities, and conditions that can contribute to dental erosion. Try to avoid the following to keep your teeth healthy.

1. Grinding your teeth

While dental erosion is typically caused by acid, it can also be caused by grinding or clenching your teeth, also known as bruxism. Young people are more prone to daytime bruxism from stress, while older people are more likely to grind their teeth while sleeping, Dr. Noble noted. Fortunately, there are solutions for teeth grinding, including taking steps to reduce stress and seeing your dentist to get fitted for a nighttime mouthguard.

2. Drinking energy and sports drinks

Most people know sodas can break down teeth, but did you know that drinking energy and sports drinks can, too? In the same study of soft drinks, the researchers found that energy drinks and sports drinks especially lower the mouth's pH levels, which allows for acid to cause dental erosion. However, they noted that any sugary drink, including fruit juices and wine, can lower the mouth's pH level.

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3. Eating only a plant-based diet

Bad news for vegetarians -- a diet consisting of only plants can cause dental erosion. Vegetarians have higher levels of tooth erosion because plants contain high amounts of fiber, and fibrous foods accelerate dental erosion, according to Dr. Noble.

4. Drinking soda -- regardless of whether it's diet or regular

It is no secret that consuming sugar, including in soda, is bad for your teeth, but a recent research study found that sugar-free soft drinks can cause just as much dental erosion as the full-sugar variety. The study showed that, because of their chemical mix of acids, sugar-free sodas can cause significant enamel loss and softening.

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"Most people are unaware of dental erosion until diagnosed, and they appear unaware/surprised that it can be related to frequent consumption of acidic sugar-free drinks," said Eric Reynolds, PhD, the lead study researcher. "There is definitely a perception that because the drink is sugar-free that it is safe for teeth."

Dental erosion does not always need to be treated. With regular check-ups and advice your dental team can prevent the problem getting any worse and the erosion going any further. If a tooth does need treatment, it is important to protect the enamel and the dentine underneath to prevent sensitivity. Usually, simply bonding a filling onto the tooth will be enough to repair it.

Dr. Mereos is a great dentist in Miami and his patients say he is friendly and comforting and always happy to take the time to answer any questions.

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Miami Beach dentist, Dr. Mereos, and the Precious Smiles team look forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. “We take pride in helping our patients achieve the best results in the least amount of time possible.”

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting http://www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, tooth whitening, or dental implants.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach
http://www.precioussmiles.com
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(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Dr. Mereos is a Miami dentist that serves, Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, North Miami Beach, and North Miami