Erosion of Teeth

Erosion is the irreversible loss of material on the surfaces of the teeth due to chemical events. Continuous exposure of teeth to acidic substances that change the pH of the oral environment can cause erosion. In erosion, the surface of the tooth becomes dull, irregularities can be seen in some areas, and in more advanced cases, the irregularities may deepen and appear yellow-brown. Acidic substance can come to the oral environment in two ways, either internally or externally. Internal environment-induced erosion occurs when stomach acid comes into the mouth continuously. This condition can occur as a result of eating disorders, stomach disorders, constant vomiting. Since the liquid in the stomach has a high acidity, its constant coming into the mouth causes changes in the back surfaces of the teeth.

Let’s come to the external erosion caused by our habits. The cause of exogenous erosions is generally the routine presence of acidic foods in our diet. Drinking a lot of acidic beverages (cola, gooseberry, soda, etc.), eating and sucking lemons, consuming pickled foods too often, and even drinking the juice of acidic fruits such as oranges and grapefruits in our breakfast routine, which make us feel better and healthier, can cause some changes in our teeth.

Of course, this does not mean that we should stop eating healthy foods and drinking beverages; We have to be more controlled while taking acidic foods. We need to reduce the exposure times of the teeth. The risk of erosion is higher in people who take a long time to finish the drink by sipping, compared to those who finish the drink in a short time. If we drink acidic beverages by sipping slowly, if we swallow them by holding them in our mouth, the foods will touch our teeth more, we should drink the drinks in a shorter time and we can use a straw to reduce the contact. After acidic foods, we can eat foods such as milk and cheese that can neutralize them. In addition, drinking water or rinsing the mouth with water after acidic foods and beverages will help to minimize the effects of cleaning the remaining acid in the mouth.