Author- Dr Aparna Pandya ( Mrs India Vivacious 2019)

Erosion is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack. Enamel is the hard, defensive coating of the tooth, which protects the sensitive dentine underneath. When the enamel is worn down, the dentine underneath is exposed, which may lead to pain and perceptivity.

Erosion generally shows up as hollows in the teeth and a general wearing down of the tooth surface. This can expose the dentin under, which is a darker than the enamel. Because the dentin is sensitive, your teeth can also be more sensitive to heat and cold wave, or acidic foods and drinks.  

Every time you eat or drink anything acidic, the enamel on the teeth becomes softer for a short while, and loses some of its mineral content. The saliva will sluggishly cancel out this acidity in the mouth and get it back to its natural balance. still, if this acid attack happens too frequently, the mouth doesn't have a chance to repair itself and  bits of enamel can be brushed down.

Bulimia is a condition where cases make themselves sick so that they lose weight by inducing vomiting. Because there are acid in the vomit, this can beget damage to tooth enamel.

Acids produced by the stomach can come up into the mouth ( this is called gastro- oesophageal influx). People suffering from hiatus hernia or oesophageal problems, or who drink too important alcohol, may also find they suffer from dental erosion due to puking.

Acidic foods and drinks can beget erosion. Acidity is measured by its ‘ pH value', and anything that has a pH value lower than5.5 is more acidic and can harm your teeth. Effervescent drinks, tonics, pops and carbonated drinks can beget erosion. It's important to flash back that indeed the ‘ diet' brands are still dangerous. Indeed flavoured effervescent waters can have an effect if drunk in large quantities, as they contain weak acids which can harm your teeth.

Plain, still water is the stylish drink for teeth. Milk is also good because it helps to cancel out the acids in your mouth. Numerous sports drinks contain constituents that can beget dental erosion as well as decay. Still, it's important for athletes to avoid dehydration because this can lead to a dry mouth and bad breath.

The following are the remedies-

• Have acidic food and drinks, and effervescent drinks, tonics and pops, just at mealtimes. This will reduce the number of acid attacks on your teeth.
• Drink snappily, without holding the drink in your mouth or ‘ swishing' it around your mouth. Or use a straw to help drinks go to the reverse of your mouth and avoid long contact with your teeth.
• Bite sugar-free gums after eating. This will help produce further saliva to help cancel out the acids which form in your mouth after eating.
• stay for at least one hour after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing your teeth. This gives your teeth time to make up their mineral content again.

Dental erosion doesn't always need to be treated. With regular check- ups we can help prevent the problem getting any worse and the erosion going any further.