Your Sonicare toothbrush heads know a silent disease is slowly destroying the surface of your teeth. You don't feel it. You can't see it. You may not have ever heard of the disease - tooth erosion. Tooth erosion occurs whenever the enamel of a tooth is worn away by acid in the mouth. Of course, a toothbrush can't think, though the new state-of-art toothbrushes make you wonder sometimes since they have so many great features.
The outer covering of a tooth is made of enamel, a calcified material that is extremely hard and protects the tooth. The saliva in a person's mouth helps to build up this enamel because it is heavy in bone and enamel building calcium. This process is called remineralization, and the Sonicare electric toothbrush helps keeps the process ongoing by keeping teeth and gums free of bacteria. When acids are present the remineralization process cannot occur.
Many of the foods a person eats and drinks contain acid such as sodas and fruit drinks. In addition, medication and health problems can result in acid build up. Some medications decrease saliva in the mouth, acid reflux disease produces a tremendous amount of acid in the mouth, and the constant purging of bulimia results in erosion of the teeth.
Signs of Erosion.
It is important to catch tooth erosion in its early stages so the tooth can be saved.
The signs and symptoms of tooth erosion run the gamut from heat and cold sensitivity to a cracked tooth. One of the earliest signs of tooth erosion is a yellow tinge to the tooth. As the enamel is destroyed the dentin is exposed. When this occurs the tooth will begin to appear discolored and during brushing using Sonicare toothbrush heads might feel sensitive.A tooth that is experiencing erosion may begin to appear translucent. The tips of the tooth may have an opalescent appearance while the rest of the tooth looks as if it has been sandblasted. The erosion may wear down the edges of the teeth and leave it rounded, and once again you might feel some sensitivity while brushing with your Sonicare electric toothbrush.A sign of severe tooth erosion is cracking. If this occurs the erosion has reached an advanced stage.
The tooth will have a rough texture, a yellow tinge, and possibly be very sensitive. Dents may be present along with cracks. These dents can be found around the bite.
Preventing Tooth Erosion
Once tooth erosion has been diagnosed it is treatable. It can be prevented with excellent oral hygiene. For example, the acids in foods and drinks can be neutralized by rinsing the mouth with water after eating. Drink acidic drinks quickly and use a straw. Drink fewer carbonated sodas. Chewing sugar free gum has been found to produce saliva which can help with the remineralization process.Most important to dental hygiene is brushing your teeth twice a day using the Sonicare electric toothbrush.
The Academy of General Dentistry recommends brushing as the best preventative measure against eroding of teeth. When you brush twice a day with Sonicare toothbrush heads, and more if they are experiencing certain problems such as bulimia or acid reflux, you can often prevent tooth erosion. But, the academy reminds people to not brush for one full hour after vomiting, drinking acidic drinks, or eating acidic foods so the teeth will have time to stabilize.
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