Dental Erosion -- Consume Pickles, Lemons And Soft Drinks In Moderation

"A low pH environment in the mouth helps contribute to dental erosion," says Samantha Shipley, DDS, and lead author of the report.

pH (potential of hydrogen) is a standard way to measure the acidity of a substance. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. A lower pH means that a solution contains more acid. The higher the pH, the more alkaline (or non-acidic) the solution will be. When a solution is neither acid nor alkaline it has a pH of 7, which is neutral.

When food or drink that is acidic is consumed the enamel will soften for a short amount of time. Typically, saliva slowly helps to restore the natural balance of the acid found in the mouth. If foods high in acid are consumed on an excessive basis, the mouth can't repair itself and the greater the chance for dental erosion, says Dr. Shipley.

"As the availability of soft drinks increase so does the amount of erosion in our population," says Dr. Shipley. "The primary action patients can take to decrease their likelihood of erosion is to reduce consumption of sugary sodas, fruit juices and sports drinks."

"Vegetarian diets and diets in which fruit comprises more than 66 percent of the total food intake also makes patients more susceptible to erosion," says Dr. Shipley. "Erosion can also be caused by stomach acids introduced into the mouth through vomiting and acid reflux."

"These findings are important and suggest that caution should be exercised when consuming certain foods over long periods of time," says AGD spokesperson Cynthia E. Sherwood, DDS.

Acids found in common foods:

* Soft drinks - Phosphoric acid

* Fruit and fruit products - Citric and malic acids

* Fermented products (yogurt) - Lactic acid

* Grapes and wines - Tartaric acid

After eating or drinking:

* Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow

* Rinse with water for 30 seconds

* Use a fluoride toothpaste