We have all heard it takes a village to raise a child, right? And to be honest, this is such an important part of our lives… But what about the idea that it takes an army to raise and maintain optimal oral hygiene? The constant 24-hour, 7-days-a-week battle against bacteria and inflammation in the oral cavity is a universal issue for all humans, children and adults alike. Your dental professionals, including your denturists in Portland OR at Classic Denture Center, are at the forefront of this struggle each and every day… Constantly learning and evolving to find new ways to keep your mouth healthy and beautiful.

Even in cases where your teeth look healthy, acids in everyday foods and drinks can still put enamel at risk and potentially cause enamel erosion. It’s true! You may not feel it or see it, but you could be doing damage to your teeth without even knowing it. 

What is Enamel Erosion?

Enamel erosion from acids is a form of tooth wear that is caused by acid softening the surface of the tooth enamel. When tooth enamel (the tooth’s hard surface) is exposed to acids from certain everyday foods or drinks, it can temporarily soften and lose some of its mineral content. When the enamel is softened and you brush your teeth, it can be worn away more easily. Foods and drinks with a high acid content, such as fruit and fruit juices, sparkling water with lemon, salad dressing, and wine, may erode your tooth enamel.

Effects of pH

Evidence-based approaches are enabling dental professionals to shift their focus from identifying disease process outcomes to managing and controlling risk factors for infection. Among these risk factors are low (acidic) pH levels contributing to tooth demineralization and susceptibility. A more acidic oral environment is responsible for shifting the balance of oral biofilm from one supporting health to one in which the harmful bacteria implicated in destructive tooth decay and periodontal diseases are more prominent.

Advice for Caring for Your Teeth

Oral health maintenance and prevention begins with a strong mechanical and chemical homelier regime. All dental professionals are taught about how it takes a combination of mechanical and chemical tools to help our patients achieve optimal oral health. Inflammation, decay, erosion, and sensitivity can all be symptoms you are suffering from growing plaque bacteria.

Here at Classic Denture Center, we are your denturists in Portland OR fighting on the frontlines every single day for your oral health. We care for our patients and always give to them a full scope of recommendations for home care. Contact us today to learn more about your oral health and what can be done to improve it.