With the constant hot weather we have been having lately, you may be turning to your favorite beverages to cool down. These beverages may be the reason that you are experiencing increased sensitivity, which is a sign of acid erosion. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), soft drinks are the biggest culprits. Other beverages that are high in acidity include: fruit juices, energy drinks, coffee, and sports drinks.

Another common symptom of acid erosion is discoloration of your teeth. This is because your enamel is white, once that begins to erode, the sensitive yellow tissue underneath called dentin is exposed. The more erosion you have, the more dentin that will be exposed, causing you to have yellower teeth.

Your teeth can change in other ways due to acid erosion. You may notice that the bottom edges of your front teeth appear to be translucent instead of their natural opaque appearance. You could also notice that your teeth look thinner or smaller than before.

To prevent acid erosion you just need to make small changes to your daily summer routine. Instead of cooling off with a tall glass of lemonade everytime, choose water or another non-acidic beverages more often than not. Even after you do have an acidic beverage, make sure to rinse your mouth out with water and then wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth. If you do so sooner than that, it can lead to further damage to your enamel.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away for an evaluation.