In summer, when a lot of fruit and acidic refreshing drinks further increase acid erosion, it is especially worth paying attention not to take the toothbrush in hand immediately after a meal, but only half an hour later. This will prevent the development of many unpleasant symptoms.
Proper brushing technique and toothbrush, toothpaste alone is not enough for optimal dental care, at least as important is the correct timing of brushing. In summer, when a lot of fruit and acidic refreshing drinks further increase acid erosion, it is especially worth paying attention not to take the toothbrush in hand immediately after a meal, but only half an hour later. This will prevent the development of many unpleasant symptoms.
During acid erosion, minerals are released from the hard tissues of the tooth. This does not cause a visible change at first, but later it becomes matte on the tooth surface, and as more material dissolves from the tooth, abrasions can form on the crown, root surface, or both. Carbonated soft drinks and fruits and vegetables, but also, for example, swimming pool water, can cause acid erosion if its pH is not optimal, explains Dr. Nevelits Annamária. According to a dentist at the Department of Periodontology at Semmelweis University, it is worth using a toothpaste specifically for anti-acid erosion, but a more important issue is the timing of brushing. It is recommended to wait at least half an hour after the acid effect in order for the tooth material dissolved from the enamel or the hard tissues of the tooth to be able to remineralize, ie to rebuild the mineral, and do not rub it off immediately with a toothbrush. Symptoms of acid erosion can range from invisible lesions to unbearable pain. Wear is difficult to clean, can increase plaque formation, inflammation of surrounding tissues, and can also cause complaints, bleeding, and pain. The advanced process can also compromise the overall integrity of the tooth, open the dental canal, and lead to root canal treatment, the dentist explains.
The periodontist believes that most Hungarians are very enthusiastic about brushing their teeth, but this is not necessarily associated with good brushing techniques. Because of this, caries and gingivitis can also occur, which can lead to periodontal disease. So you need to learn good technique and even visit your dentist for an individualized daily oral care routine.
The expert illustrates the importance of this with a vivid example: our teeth are like a pebble in a pond covered with a slippery, slimy layer and with its own small ecosystem. No water flow, washing or drifting effect can remove the ecosystem from the gravel, ie we can only clean our teeth if we use a tool for this – optimally a soft or medium-strong bristle toothbrush. Hard can increase the formation of gingival retraction, which can loosen teeth and lead to tenderness. Of the toothpastes, those containing fluoride can help, but it is worth knowing that fluoride is only effective on properly clean teeth. It is therefore advisable to thoroughly clean the tooth surfaces with a toothbrush before using fluoride toothpaste,
Dr. Annamária Nevelits explained: acids can do double harm; not only by acting directly on the enamel, but also by increasing acid erosion by lowering the pH of the oral cavity. If it falls below pH 5.5, the tooth material will start to dissolve indirectly, so it is worth paying attention to ensure that our saliva is properly separated. Sufficient fluid intake is therefore important not only to prevent it from drying out, but also to restore the pH of the oral cavity sooner, thereby reducing the effect of acids on the teeth. In this respect, too, water is the most optimal beverage, as by increasing the salivation, the minerals in the saliva are returned to the tooth. It is no coincidence that a French menu line ends with cheese: it also helps to form a protective layer on the surface of the teeth.
According to Dr. Annamária Nevelits, it is important not only to treat the symptoms, but also to eliminate the causal factors, so it is worth making an accurate diagnosis with an appropriate medical history and questioning the patient about what can cause acid erosion. Treatment options can also range from home-made products to dental procedures.
