As the New Year settles in, you may be thinking about ways to improve your health. Many of us are familiar with Dry Month January where people abstain from alcoholic beverages. As a dentist I strongly applaud this effort. Alcohol is associated with causing seven different types of cancer, including oral cancers. Did you also know that alcohol as well as many other beverages cause acid erosion of your teeth?
Severity of tooth erosion is directly related to the pH, or acidity, of the beverages we drink. The acid pulls critical minerals out of the hard enamel tooth structure. When we sip on our favorite beverages like carbonated water, flavored water, coffee, tea, beer, wine, juice and soda our teeth are bathed in a pool of acid. Our saliva can help to buffer the acid attack. However, this protection doesn’t last if we continue to sip on the beverage beyond 20 minutes.
Acid erosion of teeth is a big problem in our society. Every day I see the effects of our beverage culture causing thinning enamel, increasing sensitivity and contributing to cavities or the breakdown of restorations already placed. Not only is beverage drinking a costly habit, it is frustrating for both patient and dentist to see previous dental restorative work fail, adding to the costs of drinking.
When assessing your risk for tooth erosion, first think about how frequently you sip on any carbonated water, coffee, tea, flavored water, beer, wine, juice, energy drink or soda. Do you drink more than eight ounces, more than twice a day? When you drink your beverage, do you sip on it for more than 30 minutes? Are you drinking your beverage without any other protective food? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you are at higher risk for tooth erosion. You can help protect your teeth by doing the following:
1) Limit your beverage drinking to no longer than 20 minutes. Stop prolonged sipping.
2) Drink while eating. Eating a dairy item like cheese can be protective to your teeth. If you are lactose intolerant, other proteins like legumes and nuts can be protective as well.
3) Rinse with plain water after drinking an acidic beverage.
4) Wait to brush about 20-30 minutes after drinking or eating before brushing. This helps the saliva buffer the acid and firm up your enamel. If you brush too soon and too hard, erosion progresses from physical abrasion.
5) Practice good oral hygiene: brush for two minutes twice a day with a soft bristle brush or electric toothbrush. Also floss daily.
When contemplating your 2024 health resolutions, consider reducing the frequency of your acidic beverage of choice. Your teeth and your pocketbook will thank you.
Dr. Alyssa Harris, DMD practices dentistry at Partnership Health Center’s Seeley Swan Medical Center in Seeley Lake, Montana
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