Your teeth might feel like they are dissolving because they are experiencing dental erosion.
Dental erosion, also known as tooth erosion, is a common issue where the surface layer of your teeth, called enamel, is gradually worn away. As the provided information explains, it happens when part of the enamel surface of your teeth is dissolved and softened by contact with acids.
What is Dental Erosion?
Think of enamel as the hard, protective shell covering your teeth. While strong, it is vulnerable to acids. When acids come into contact with enamel, they can demineralize (dissolve) and soften its surface. This makes the enamel weaker and can lead to noticeable wear over time, which might feel like your teeth are "dissolving."
Where Do These Acids Come From?
According to the reference, these damaging acids can originate from a couple of primary sources:
- External Sources: Acids from food and drinks you consume.
- Internal Sources: Acids from your stomach.
Let's look at these in a bit more detail:
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Many common items we consume contain high levels of acid or are processed in a way that produces acid in the mouth. Regular exposure to these can significantly contribute to erosion.
- Examples:
- Soft Drinks: Especially colas and citrus-flavored sodas.
- Fruit Juices: Particularly citrus juices like orange, lemon, and grapefruit juice.
- Citrus Fruits: Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits.
- Vinegar and Pickled Foods: High in acetic acid.
- Energy and Sports Drinks: Often highly acidic.
Frequent sipping or holding acidic drinks in your mouth prolongs the contact time with your enamel, increasing the risk of erosion.
Stomach Acid (Acid Reflux)
Stomach acid is highly acidic, designed to break down food. When this acid makes its way up into the mouth, it can have a severe impact on your teeth. This can happen due to conditions like:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux.
- Bulimia: Frequent vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid.
- Other conditions: That cause regular vomiting or regurgitation.
Exposure to stomach acid is often considered one of the most damaging types of acid exposure for teeth due to its strength.
How to Protect Your Teeth
If you suspect your teeth are eroding, it's crucial to see a dentist to determine the cause and discuss a treatment plan. However, here are some general strategies to help protect your enamel from acid:
- Reduce Acidic Intake: Limit consumption of highly acidic foods and drinks.
- Rinse with Water: After consuming acidic items, rinse your mouth with plain water to help neutralize acids.
- Use a Straw: When drinking acidic beverages, using a straw can help minimize contact with your teeth.
- Wait Before Brushing: Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks or experiencing reflux, as enamel is softer and more vulnerable to abrasion at that time. Wait at least 30-60 minutes.
- Use Fluoride Products: Fluoride helps strengthen enamel. Your dentist may recommend a fluoride toothpaste, rinse, or in-office treatment.
- Address Underlying Conditions: If acid reflux or an eating disorder is the cause, seeking treatment for these conditions is essential.
Understanding that the "dissolving" feeling is likely dental erosion caused by acid exposure from food/drinks or stomach acid is the first step in protecting your smile.
