
Jul
Enamel, the outer surface of teeth and the hardest substance in the body, can be damaged by acidic foods or liquids over time. The wear of enamel due to acid is called erosion.
Acid commonly comes from foods, drinks, acid reflux, or vomit. Eating acidic fruits multiple times per day and drinking soda or sports drinks daily contributes to acid erosion.
How can you notice acid erosion? Front teeth may appear short, yellow, and thin. Teeth can become sensitive so you may feel pain when your teeth are touched or you drink hot/ cold beverages. You may notice pits on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
What can be done? Enamel cannot be restored but there are some steps to prevent or stop dental erosion. Drink water or milk while eating, avoid acidic foods, use a straw if you do drink something acidic. Make sure not to swish around soda or other acidic beverages and wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after acidic intake.
Here are some other tips-
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.