Our Dental Blog

Repair Damage From Acidic Wear

November 21, 2022

Patients understandably wish to avoid sugars for their cause in tooth decay. And while we certainly applaud that decision, there are other risks to your smile that can come even with drinks without traditional sweeteners. This risk comes primarily through the use of acidic liquids, and you may actually be surprised at how strong these chemicals can be.

man drinking energy drink while working on laptop outdoors

One of the most common areas we see causing this form of wear comes from the consumption of sugar-free sodas. Energy drinks are more popular than ever, and due to available sugar-free options, might seem safe for your mouth. But dental erosion from the routine exposure to these drinks can lead to serious concerns with the future of your smile. Today, your Kansas City, MO dentist writes about the ways that popular beverages may not be doing your smile any favors, and how to best protect yourself!

Take a Look at Your Diet

A consistent uniting factor within most American mouths is often too much of a satisfying thing. Our diets are seeing new issues related to overconsumption that were not pervasive until the last century or even sooner. We see this in our sugar usage, to the point where people from other countries can notice our food being unnaturally sweet. Nutrutionists for decades have been trying to coax the population into using less salt at the dinner table, as well.

A Proper Maintenance

One of the best things we can do with our diet involves getting a varied amount of different healthy foods, and our choices in drinks can make that a bit more difficult. People tend to be fiercely brand loyal about their items, and energy drinks may be a helpful part of their morning routine. And while the possibility of stains can be less damaging within energy drinks, the acidic nature of these liquids make them no better of a morning choice than coffee.

If you find that these drinks are helpful for you, you might not want to cut them out entirely. We certainly understand that feeling, and little steps can be helpful in creating a lasting positive health outlook. But if you find you cannot live without your morning energy drink, try to fully rinse afterward, or brush if you have not yet. And be sure to set strict appointments with your oral health care provider!

Repairing Damage

For patients with extensive dental erosion, the placement of porcelain veneers can be very helpful in the restoration of your enamel. This procedure involves a durable ceramic cap that functions just as a natural tooth. This material is around as strong as our natural enamel, so it is still important to stick to healthy decisions. We want to avoid the pitfalls that led you here to begin with, and keep a gorgeous path forward!

Plan For Your Future

If dental erosion is causing you concerns, don’t let it wait! Please give Dr. Lucaci at Cosmetic Implant Dentistry Kansas City in Kansas City, MO a call today at (816)320-6414. We’ll guide you through the entire process!