Acid wear occurs when acids soften and erode tooth enamel. Prolonged acid wear can make teeth more sensitive and lead to increased tooth decay.
Although not exclusive to acid wear, some of the signs that acid may be damaging your teeth include: yellowing of the teeth, caused by the erosion of enamel; translucency as the edges of teeth become thinner; small cracks; and increased sensitivity in teeth.
For most Canadians, the major sources of acid in their diets include carbonated drinks, juices (especially citrus), and some fruits. Even tea and bananas contain significant amounts of acid.
While you should not stop eating healthy foods because of their acid content, you can minimize their effect on your teeth. Be sure to drink plenty of water to flush acids out of your mouth. You can also drink milk or eat nuts along with acidic foods to neutralize the acid.
If the problem progresses, your dental team has solutions to strengthen your teeth. Talk to a member of our team to learn more.