Many people suffer from tooth erosion, a condition where acid eats away at the enamel of your teeth making them sensitive to pain — discoloration can occur easily and cavities will be more likely. One of the main causes of tooth erosion is diet. While in Houston, Texas you have a wide range of food items to tickle your taste buds but also could prove unsafe for your oral health. This blog takes a look at the part that your diet plays in teeth erosion and offers some good advice on foods to avoid by a Houston Texas dentist.

Causes of Tooth Erosion

Diet is only one of several things that can damage your teeth, but it is by far the biggest. Some of them are good for your enamel and others will surely do damage.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods and beverages are highly acidic and contribute to the erosion of teeth. Avoiding or limiting these items can help to protect your enamel.

1. Citrus Fruits and Juices

Examples:

– Oranges

– Lemons

– Grapefruits

Impact:

Citric acid is also commonly found in citrus fruits and juices, which can wear away enamel. Of course, they are healthy and vitamin-rich foods but it is essential to eat in moderation and rinse your mouth with water after eating.

2. Sodas and Carbonated Drinks

Examples:

– Regular and diet sodas

Impact:

Not only will these beverages erode your enamel, but decay as well due to their high sugar content which the bacteria in your mouth love. Just go with water, or get some milk at least.

3. Vinegar-based Foods

Examples:

– Pickles

– Salad dressings

Impact:

That is because vinegar is so acidic, that it just erodes the enamel. If you select vinegar-heavy items, make sure to follow this up by swishing the mouth area with water immediately after — otherwise your teeth may start getting too thin.

 4. Sour Candies

Examples:

– Sour Patch Kids

– Warheads

Impact:

Because sour candies contain both sugar and a high acidity, they are very harmful to enamel. It’s advisable to stay away from these delicacies completely.

Foods to Eat

On the other hand, some foods can protect your enamel and keep your mouth healthy. Adding these items to your diet helps soften the effects of acid on teeth.

1. Dairy Products

Examples:

– Milk

– Cheese

– Yogurt

Benefits:

Dairy products are high in calcium and phosphate which help to mineralize the enamel and make it stronger. They even promote the production of saliva, which is a natural acid-fighter in your mouth.

2. Water

Benefits:

Water removes food particles and acids from the mouth. It strengthens the enamel and prevents tooth decay, too.

3. Fruits and Vegetables that are high in Fiber

Examples:

Apples

Carrots

Celery

Benefits:

Chewy foods require more work and crank out way more saliva. Our saliva is our body’s natural defense against acid erosion, as it helps to neutralize acids and rinse them away.

Diet is one of the major causes of tooth erosion, so having a proper diet will do more good to your teeth! Encourage a healthy, bright smile by eliminating sugary and acidic foods from your diet in favor of enamel-friendly choices! Houston, Texas is one of the places with a wide-ranging culinary selection so making healthy dietary choices will go a long way for your oral health. Don’t forget, of course, that the other side to a tooth-friendly diet is consistent dental check-ups and oral hygiene.

For individual recommendations and professional dental treatment, consult a local dentist in Houston who can provide the direction you need based on your situation. Take good care of your smile with a diet avoiding erosion-promoting food, and visit the dentist frequently to deal with teeth erosion.