No two denturists are the same. If you have been wearing dentures for a while, you know that no two sets of dentures are the same. Finding a quality, experienced denturist can seriously impact the comfort of your dentures. You do not have to deal with loose plates, gums that are rubbed raw, distorted speech, and the inability to eat your favorite foods. If you have any of these problems, there are a few things that you can try before replacing your dentures. Use what I have learned over my 15 years of wearing dentures to find a perfect fit and optimum comfort in your dentures.
finding comfort when wearing dentures
Healthy Foods Can Erode Tooth Enamel Too
Priscilla Hansen
Like the bacteria in dental plaque that are responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, the acids in certain foods and drinks are harmful to your teeth. Because over-consumption of healthy foods can be as bad for your teeth as too much sugar in your diet, it's important to recognize the signs of tooth erosion so that you can let your dentist know. It also helps to understand what actually happens and what kinds of foods play a role in wearing away tooth enamel, which discolors teeth.
Signs of Tooth Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel is a hard substance, but even a healthy diet can cause dental erosion, tooth discoloration, and the permanent loss of tooth enamel. Signs of tooth erosion vary depending on whether your teeth are in the early or advanced stages but may include:
- Dull, yellow, or discolored teeth
- Transparent look at the ends of the front teeth
- Teeth that look rounded
- Uneven or rough edges on the teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
As tooth erosion advances, teeth can also crack on the edges. You may also notice small indentations on the teeth where you bite and chew. In severe cases, tooth loss can occur.
De-Mineralization Process
Frequent exposure to acids in foods and beverages causes tooth enamel to lose minerals. Normally, the calcium in saliva restores tooth enamel. But if saliva doesn't do an adequate job of neutralizing acids in the mouth and teeth remain in an acidic environment, de-mineralization rather than re-mineralization occurs. White spots on the teeth usually are signs of de-mineralization.
Foods and beverages with low (more acidic) pH values generally erode enamel on the front teeth. However, acids from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that back up from the stomach into the esophagus and mouth can erode the enamel of teeth at the back of the mouth.
Dentin Exposure
Tooth erosion exposes dentin—the hard, bony tissue beneath the enamel. Dentin is yellow in color; therefore, as erosion causes tooth enamel to become thin and more translucent, the yellowish dentin layer shows through. If acids from the foods and beverages you consume have eroded away tooth enamel to this point, veneers and crowns are options for having whiter teeth.
Role Acidic Foods Play
As acidic foods erode and thin tooth enamel over time, your teeth become more prone to tooth decay, which appear s brown spots on the teeth. That's why it's important to limit consumption of high-acid foods and beverages including:
- Concentrated fruit juices
- Sports drinks
- Regular and diet carbonated soft drinks
- Acidic fruits, particularly citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
Although many of these foods should be included in a healthy diet, a food or beverage doesn't have to be sugary to be hard on your teeth. Foods that contain acids skip the bacteria step and start eating away at tooth enamel directly. For instance, any fruits and vegetables with low pH values consumed in excess can erode tooth enamel. It also may surprise you to learn that other healthy foods like whole grains and dairy foods contain acids naturally. For more tips, contact a clinic like TLC Dental Center.
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