Teeth- Under Chemical Attack!

By Dr. Nagesh Gidwani

Yes! I am brushing!
Yes! I am flossing regularly!
Yes! I am rinsing!

But then why I am losing tooth surface in my mouth?
The answer, my friend, is EROSION!

Your teeth are losing a little bit of surface every day. Some of this is normal wear and tear, however some peoples teeth are experiencing this loss at a'fast forward "rate.

AM I AT RISK?

This depends a lot on your habits:
The World Health Association has defined erosion as "the progressive irreversible loss of dental hard tissue that is chemically etched away from the tooth surface by extrinsic and or intrinsic acids by a process that does not involve bacteria."

So what are the extrinsic factors: Mainly foods or drinks that raise the acidity of the mouth: Lemons, juices {Grapefruit, Apple and Orange} Soda pop,(especially if sipped slowly ...all day } are the main culprits. These foods etch the enamel and break down the crystalline nature of the protective enamel. Then the tooth brush or chewing erodes this weak enamel away causing loss of overall tooth surface.

And the main intrinsic factor is Acidity and Acid Reflux disease where the stomach acids tend to come up into the mouth. This also reduces the microhardness of the enamel and gives it a unglazed look. People who tend to vomit more than usual can also have this problem.

Other factors to watch out for:

DRUGS: both from medicines and illicit drugs.

CERTAIN MEDICATIONS such as theophylline, aspirin, and medication that can raise the acid levels in your stomach can be responsible for erosion.

PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA: Please rinse your mouth with water to wash away the drug residue which can cause erosion.

DO YOU TAKE MEDICATION that makes your MOUTH DRY: This can also raise the acid levels and erode your teeth.

INADEQUATE FLUORIDE: Make sure your tooth paste has fluoride. This strengthens the enamel surface and makes it less susceptible to acid erosion.

YOUNG KIDS are often given juice in a training cup which the sip all day putting them at risk.

POOL WATER in your mouth for excessive periods can also cause a little acid erosion.

Once enamel gets worn away from your teeth, it is gone forever.

So do yourself a favor. Pay attention to these factors. Watch out for your kids soda pop habits. Reduce acidic foods from your diet and protect your enamel. Rinse with water after having juice or soda. As layer after layer of enamel gets lost, the teeth start becoming sensitive. Then brushing becomes a problem leading to poor oral hygiene. Eating cold foods can become a torture.

It takes the fun out of life!

So, even if the economy is SOFT... keep your enamel HARD!

Drs. Nagesh and Chitra Gidwani have been serving the valley for a quarter century. If you have a parent from India visiting for a few months and they have a dental problem, don't worry... we will take care of them at NO CHARGE. Just Call 623 915 4545 or 623 582 8088