Mohamed A. Bassiouny, professor of restorative dentistry at Temple University and co-author of the study, outlined measures to try and rehabilitate teeth that suffer from dental erosion as a result of the excessive consumption of acidic beverages.
Three steps for teeth restoration
Bassiouny highlighted three major steps to help regenerate teeth that have suffered surface damage.
Firstly, he instructs the individuals experiencing tooth erosion to discover the main reason of tooth erosion by taking the help of a professional dentist.
Then the next step after identification would be to understand how the teeth have been affected and to employ the necessary measures to control and prevent further damage.
Finally, the third step would be to reduce the consumption of food and beverages that may be damaging to dental health.
"Dental erosion," according to Dr. Bassiouny, "is a demineralization process that affects hard dental tissues (such as enamel and dentin)."
Effect of acidic contact
When the surface of tooth is frequently exposed to acids as contained in the beverages, then it may result in its permanent damage.
Citric acids have a low potential of hydrogen (ph) and are more erosive than hydrochloric or sulfuric acid.
These refined sugars and acids found in soda and citrus juice promote tooth erosion, which wears away the hard part of the teeth, or the enamel. Once tooth enamel is lost, it's gone forever.
Expert advice
Dr. Bassiouny advises that intake of acidic beverages should be avoided for maintaining healthy teeth.
He further states that for better understanding of the acidic content of frequently consumed foods or beverages, information is usually available online or on the product's label.
Besides this he also recommends professional dental advice in the treatment and restoration of the damaged tissues.
Kenton Ross a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) stated, "Some may not even realize a problem exists when their teeth are in the early stages of dental erosion. Without proper diagnosis by a general dentist, more serious oral health issues could occur."
"Visiting your general dentists twice a year can help maintain healthy teeth as well as uncover and prevent future problems," said Dr. Ross.
The study has been published in the May/June 2009 issue of General Dentistry, the AGD's clinical, peer-review.
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