You may also be able to see signs of tooth erosion: • Change your habits — sometimes, the only action that is recommended is to change your daily habits to help prevent your erosion from getting worse. Your dentist or hygienist can recommend what changes you should make. • Eat a healthy diet o Drink plain water or milk when you can. o Drink acid-containing beverages only once in a while. • Drink through a straw to lower your teeth’s exposure to the acids in your drink. • Rinse your mouth with plain water after you are finished with your drink. o Eat or drink sugary items with meals instead of on their own. o Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless mints/hard candies (that are not sour- flavored) after meals. • Look for oral health care products with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The ADA Seal in this category means that a product is both safe and effective in helping to prevent and reduce enamel erosion from dietary acids. • If you suffer from frequent heartburn or acid reflux, talk to your physician about ways you can get it under control. • If you suffer from dry mouth, talk to your dentist about options that can help bring you relief. Tips to prevent tooth erosion Wait at least 1 hour before you brush! You may think you are doing the responsible thing by brushing your teeth right away after drinking your favorite beverage, but you actually may be doing more harm than good. Acids can attack your enamel and soften it. Your saliva rinses acids away and helps your enamel to re-harden. If you brush before the enamel has time to re-harden then it can damage the enamel. Waiting an hour before brushing lowers the risk of harming your enamel. rode your teeth ver our rinks teeth ave nd using have tooth erosion your teeth may become and even touch. This is longer providing complete This can mean that you ot or cold and even to Tooth erosion harms your teeth and overall health These are some of the common problems that are linked with tooth erosion: • Sensitive teeth • Decay and cavities • Infection • Abscess (puss-filled sac) can form. • Tooth loss • Loss of confidence in the look of your smile. Get help for your eating disorder You aren’t alone. Talk to your dentist or physician about how you can get healthy again. Or, call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline and talk to someone confidentially. 1.800.931-2237. Tooth erosion can cause many problems and may even affect how you feel about your smile. Eroded teeth can become yellow or discolored and they are more at risk to decay and sensitivity. Managing tooth erosion Once your teeth are eroded, there is no way to treat it. But, there are ways to manage it that can also help to prevent future erosion. What to do about your tooth erosion will depend on what is causing it to happen as well as your own personal health history. Some of the most common ways to manage tooth erosion are: • Veneers — a thin but strong covering that’s placed over the front part of your tooth. It’s made to look like your natural tooth and can restore the look of your smile. • Tooth Restoration — If you have a cavity then you may need a filling. You may also need a crown if the cavity is larger than what a filling can restore. • Root Canal — If the nerves of your tooth are infected then you may need root canal therapy. • Tooth Removal — If the erosion is severe and your tooth can’t be restored, then it may need to be removed. ink harmful to your teeth? beverages are highly acidic. Beverage types that are left on this graph. These are just a few of the types ying every once in a while: Level of Acidity Your teeth may look shiny, transparent or yellow/stained. Your teeth may change in size and shape as the enamel erodes. There may be dimples or “pits” on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. NON-EROSIVE Sports drinks Flavored tea Flavored water Apple Juice Orange Juice Milk Pure water Tooth Erosion: The Harmful Effects of Acid This brochure topic explains why acid is a major cause of tooth erosion. Covers how erosion can occur from acidic drinks, acid reflux/GERD, eating disorders and dry mouth. Reviews what can happen to teeth if erosion is left unchecked, using real case examples to illustrate what it looks like and the damage it can cause. Explains the ways that erosion can be managed and prevented. W301 8 panels, 50 per pack Tooth Decay This always-relevant brochure shows the progression of decay in vivid detail, listing the treatments required if decay is left unchecked. Encourages patients to brush, clean between their teeth, and limit sugary food/drinks to help them avoid this outcome. Revised cross-section illustrations show the progression of decay and points out where on the tooth that decay is commonly found. W303 8 panels, 50 per pack #DAB078 Treating Cavities Help walk your patients through the steps of treating a cavity. Includes case images of deep decay in a tooth and points out that cavities may be larger than what is visible to patients. With step-by-step explanation of filling restoration, plus a review of other treatment options as well as what to expect before, during and after treatment. W304 8 panels, 50 per pack PERSONALIZE IT! STANDARD BROCHURES PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $28.00 $42.00 2-9 $23.80 $35.70 10+ $21.00 $31.50 STANDARD BROCHURES PACKS MEMBER RETAIL 1 $28.00 $42.00 2-9 $23.80 $35.70 10+ $21.00 $31.50 PERSONALIZED BROCHURES QTY MEMBER RETAIL 150 $82.50 $124.00 400 $196.00 $300.00 800 $360.00 $540.00 PERSONALIZED BROCHURES QTY MEMBER RETAIL 150 $82.50 $124.00 400 $196.00 $300.00 800 $360.00 $540.00 Pricing for Brochures Pricing for Brochures Why Do I Need a Crown? Dental Treatment Why Do I Need a Crown? Dental Treatment BEST SELLER Root Canal Therapy Can Save Your Tooth Demystify endodontic treatment with this start-to-finish brochure. This revised brochure helps patients see the tooth- saving benefits of a root canal with step- by-step illustrations. Encourages patients to return for a permanent restoration. W117 English, 8 panels, 50 per pack W244 Spanish PERSONALIZE IT! #DAB007 Prices on page 98 BEST SELLER REVISED Why Do I Need a Crown? Make sure patients understand why they need a crown. This concise brochure lists the situations when a crown may be appropriate and includes placement steps with illustrations, choices for crown materials, and tips for caring for a new crown. Also features before-and-after photos and illustrations. W140 6 panels, 50 per pack PERSONALIZE IT! #DAB013 Prices on page 98 PATIENT EDUCATION 72 ORDER BY PHONE: 800.947.4746 RESTORATIVE TREATMENT ORDER ONLINE: ADACATALOG.ORG 73