ENAMEL WEAR Q: How can I minimize the wear on my teeth's enamel? A: Your teeth's enamel is the hardest element in your body. But it is susceptible to wear and tear just like any other part of the body. Some food and liquid that passes through our mouth is more corrosive to enamel than are others. For instance, though fruit and fruit juice are good for us in some ways, those that contain citric acid, like oranges, lemons and bananas, are potentially damaging to teeth enamel. You should also consume carbonated drinks in moderation. In addition, you even also need to be careful about the toothpaste you use. You should avoid toothpastes with abrasives in them, even though they may be marketed as tooth-whitening, stain-removing marvels. Here are some other things to consider: Chewable tablets, like those for vitamin C, aspirin or iron, can be corrosive, as can be repeated vomiting from alcoholism or bulimia. Refluxed gastric acid from a hiatus hernia or some other medical condition is also damaging to teeth. So, if you are concerned about enamel erosion, you should minimize contact with teeth when drinking acidic juices. Use a straw, for instance. And with medicines or supplements that can be corrosive, take them in a solid form that you can swallow immediately. Talk with your dentist about other ways to protect the enamel on your teeth. SM-CL2082840 Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 ENAMEL WEAR Q : How can I minimize the wear on my teeth's enamel ? A : Your teeth's enamel is the hardest element in your body . But it is susceptible to wear and tear just like any other part of the body . Some food and liquid that passes through our mouth is more corrosive to enamel than are others . For instance , though fruit and fruit juice are good for us in some ways , those that contain citric acid , like oranges , lemons and bananas , are potentially damaging to teeth enamel . You should also consume carbonated drinks in moderation . In addition , you even also need to be careful about the toothpaste you use . You should avoid toothpastes with abrasives in them , even though they may be marketed as tooth - whitening , stain - removing marvels . Here are some other things to consider : Chewable tablets , like those for vitamin C , aspirin or iron , can be corrosive , as can be repeated vomiting from alcoholism or bulimia . Refluxed gastric acid from a hiatus hernia or some other medical condition is also damaging to teeth . So , if you are concerned about enamel erosion , you should minimize contact with teeth when drinking acidic juices . Use a straw , for instance . And with medicines or supplements that can be corrosive , take them in a solid form that you can swallow immediately . Talk with your dentist about other ways to protect the enamel on your teeth . SM - CL2082840 Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554