According to research done by GlaxoSmithKline, 50% of U.S. dental professionals report seeing an increase in acid erosion compared to 5 years ago. Signs of acid erosion include changing of shape and loss of contour of the tooth, surfaces that lack shine and look dull, loss of surface ridges or texture, transparency, and a dull yellow appearance. In more advanced stages of acid erosion a total loss of the biting edges of the teeth can occur due to the brittleness and lack of enamel. People that suffer from acid erosion are susceptible to cavities, cracks, and loss of teeth.
Foods that are acidic can lead to tooth erosion. Please refer to the chart below for a list of the acidity levels of some foods and drinks. For reference a pH of about 7 is neutral and a pH of 1 is very acidic. (click on chart to enlarge)
Dr. Jason McCargar, a dentist in Scottsdale, Arizona says that "the pH of the food or liquid is not the sole indicator of how damaging it can be to your teeth. For example, soda is acidic and can cause acid erosion to the teeth. But, drinking the soda through a straw and limiting how frequently you drink soda can drastically decrease your chances of having tooth erosion and tooth decay."
Great article!
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