Is What You Eat, Eating Your Enamel?

 

Fruits and drinks causing enamel loss

Is what you eat
eating your enamel?

It’s a question we should be asking ourselves more often. Did you know that 9 out of 10 adults are at risk of enamel loss from the foods they’re eating?* Could you be at risk?

9/10 adults are at risk of enamel loss

What can cause enamel loss?  

Acids in everyday foods and drinks can put your teeth at risk, as they can eat away your enamel surface. Surprisingly, many healthy foods and drinks, like fruits and juices, are highly acidic. And with more and more of us adopting healthier lifestyles, it’s important we look after our teeth while enjoying these foods and drinks and their benefits.

How acidic is your diet?

High and low acidity teeth
High acidity teeth

Lemon/lemon juice
Wine
Sports drinks
Tonic water
Cherries
Soda
Plums
Iced tea
Berries

Grapefruit juice
Vinegar
Apple juice
Salad dressing
Cranberry juice
Oranges/orange juice
Tomatoes

Low acidity teeth

Bananas
Bread
Cheese
Avocados

Broccoli
Cucumbers
Peanut butter
Milk
Water

What are the effects of enamel loss?   

Enamel loss can affect how your teeth look and feel. Even if your teeth look healthy today, your dentist can check for early signs, which can get worse over time.

Here are 5 signs that you may be affected by enamel loss:

  • Rounded edges – The edges of your teeth are the most exposed to acid wear, so will tend to be worn away first.
  • Dull or discolored – As the enamel wears away, your teeth may lose their shine, making them appear dull.
  • Yellowing – If a significant amount of enamel is worn away from the tooth, the slightly yellow dentin layer underneath can become more visible.
  • Translucent or see-through – As more enamel wears away, teeth can become visibly thinner. As the enamel thins, the edges of your teeth can appear translucent.
  • Sensitivity – As the protective enamel wears away, the underlying dentin layer can become exposed. This can be one of the causes of sensitivity. Fortunately, it's easy to act to reduce this risk.

How can you protect yourself from enamel loss?

Protecting your teeth from enamel loss doesn’t mean you need to change your diet. Keep making healthy choices for your body – but just take a few simple steps to protect your teeth too. Here are some tips to help you prevent enamel loss:

Blue-Icon-cocktail with straw

1. Find out what’s acidic in your diet and try some simple ways to reduce harm like:

  • If you’re eating something acidic, have cheese, milk, banana or another low acidic food or drink with it
  • Try not to have frequent acidic snacks
  • Use a straw (reusable or paper) when consuming acidic drinks and don’t swill them around or hold them in your mouth
  • Try not to brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking anything acidic
Blue-Icon-Toothpaste
2. Brush with Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste daily, it’s designed to help protect tooth enamel.
Take a look at our range of products.
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3. Visit your dentist for regular check-ups.

*GSK data on file, 3506 US adults, 2014

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