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Do Not Let Your Children's Teeth Erode From KindnessFrom the day that the first tooth arrived, you have been meticulous about your child's dental care. Regular visits to your family dentist for checkups, daily brushing, flossing and a wholesome diet are all part of your regular. You've even cut back on sugary drinks and replaced them with healthy fruit juices...oh, wait...While it's good that you're paying attention to the nutrient value of the foods that you give to your child, it's also a great idea to keep in mind that each and every rose has a thorn. There are trade offs to be made when considering food and drink for optimal wellness, which includes the condition of your child's teeth. Not well known among parents is the fact that fruit juices include acids, the exact same culprits found in soft drinks, that could contribute to a special form of tooth decay called dental erosion.Dental erosion is the direct wearing away or dissolving of tooth enamel which results from being exposed to acid containing beverages and other foods. In extreme instances of dental erosion, the teeth could be virtually worn down to stumps. Unlike ordinary tooth decay where bacteria in the mouth produce acids that cause cavities (also known as 'caries'), the dental erosion we are discussing here is a direct result in that which we choose to drink and eat. It's as if, by downing acid containing drinks we have by passed the middlemen, the bacteria, and gone directly into the company of wrecking our teeth ourselves!Health experts are increasingly concerned about the development in dental erosion among kids and teens. It's been reported that children as young as four have needed to get their teeth capped for this tooth reduction. It seems that youngsters are even more vulnerable to dental erosion because a) they have less exposure to fluoride, (which acts to protect the teeth and b) they do often drink plenty of sodas and juice beverages. An estimated 1 out of every eight teenagers in the Australia beverages 22 cans of soda each week! Guess who's at the greatest risk for dental erosion?The Worst OffendersAdding insult to injury, the frequently recommended practice of brushing teeth right after foods may make dental erosion worse. That is because the acid on your beverage goes to work immediately. Try sucking on a lemon or sipping a can of cola, then run your tongue over the inside of your teeth. See how sludgy it seems? That is the tooth enamel that has been softened by the acidity in your beverage. Notice too, how fast it works. As a result of this fast acting nature of these foods, dentists today recommend that you wait thirty minutes after swallowing such foods before brushing your teeth. This provides your saliva a opportunity to neutralize the acidity and reverse the softening.Today we aren't saying that all fruit juice is bad. Fruit contains many minerals and vitamins that are essential to good health, therefore it is important to include fruit and yes, fruit juice from you family's healthy diet. Just be aware that orange juice and other citrus varieties feature citric acid, among the leading offenders in dental erosion. In fact, it's the uric acid along with phosphoric acid, not carbonation, in soft drinks that adds pop to the rogues gallery of causes of tooth erosion. More relevant to adults, wine has been implicated in dental erosion because wine's acidity is comparable to that of orange juice.You don't have to toss that newly bought of orange juice, however, understand that it's the frequency, but not the quantity of juice that could make or break a routine of dental erosion on your children's and your own teeth. Try applying these common sense guidelines: serve fruit juice with meals, not in between. Drink lemon juice diluted with water to reduce the acid content, and do not get into the habit of using fruit juice in a jar as a 'comforter' to get a baby or young child. Little ones who spend time sucking on a juice jar or even a 'sippy' cup of juice can fall into as good a threat for dental erosion as those soda guzzling teens!What To Look For - Evidence Of Eroded TeethSome early signs of dental erosion can be easy to see if you pay attention. How do your teeth feel when subjected to heat, such as drinking hot tea or coffee, drinking cold beverages or sweets? If you experience pain or sensitivity with these food options, it might demonstrate that the tooth enamel has been worn away, exposing the sensitive inner part of the tooth (called 'dentine') into the irritant.When contemplating your children's teeth, listen to some colour adjustments. There are just two to search for; translucence and yellowing. The frontier of the fundamental teeth (known as 'incisors') can become translucent with wear and erosion. The yellow color can be viewed everywhere that the white enamel has worn out thin enough that the yellow dentine reveals through. If you become concerned about erosion on your kid's teeth, or your own, see you dentist for a thorough examination. If erosion is discovered, think about creating a treatment plan to address it.The Best Cure Is PreventionAs we discussed above, simple changes in the way your function fruit juices to your family members can go a long way to reduce the chance of tooth erosion. Here are dental care for children to add more security through avoidance:Drink Milk Or Plain Water - natures natural substances that are good for the teeth. Milk and other high calcium foods help fortify your choppers by imitating the mineral materialBrush lightly with a soft palate. Cutting the abrasive forces your own teeth are exposed to goes a very long way towards keeping them intactIt you, personally, or junior, absolutely must have fruit juice, sports drinks or sods, try drinking these drinks through a straw. That leads the liquid away from the teeth and reduces your vulnerability. Also, try rinsing your mouth with plain water after drinking to reduce the acid material, then wait for 30 minutes before brushing.By following the simple steps outlined here, and visiting your dentist for regular check ups, you can help your family avoid making a unpleasant acquaintance with tooth erosion.