They sneak up quietly, like little ninjas, and steal your enamel when you least expect it!

It sounds like a really bad plot for a horror movie, doesn’t it? Not to be confused with the movie Darkness Falls, in which an evil spirit visits people in the guise of the Tooth Fairy, this isn’t the plot of a bad movie, but a serious problem that affects your teeth.

Every day, more and more people are exercising and eating better so they can live longer and be healthier. Beverage companies have responded to that by introducing sports drinks that replace nutrients lost during workouts, hikes, biking and other athletic activities. As with just about anything these days, there are negative side effects if you drink too much of any almost any sports drink. The acid in the drink can strip away the protective enamel coating on your teeth, leaving them brittle and sensitive to pain.

Sports drinks aren’t the only culprit, though. Other acidic beverages including soft drinks; apple, orange, and even lemon juice (for those of you who like sucking on lemons) can have the same results if you drink them in excess. Some reports indicate that even cavity-causing bacteria can’t stand up to the acidic nature of these drinks, although they usually soon return and in greater numbers.

Silent enamel eaters can be found in foods, too. Eating an excess of yogurt or raisins can also erode the enamel on your teeth. And, everyone knows that eating too much candy is bad for your teeth. Sucking on a piece of hard candy is really bad, because it allows the acid to circulate in and around your teeth for an extended period of time.

If food and beverages weren’t enough to be concerned about, enamel-eroding acids are found in our own bodies, as well. Those struggling with acid reflux disease or the vomiting associated with bulimia or binge drinking will generally find they also have tooth enamel erosion. The stomach acids wash over the teeth and slowly remove the protective enamel coating.

The loss of tooth enamel happens slowly so you won’t notice any symptoms during the early stages. That is why it is important that you follow a few simple guidelines. The most significant being a visit to your dentist every year. Here are some other ways you can help lessen the loss of tooth enamel:

· Cut back on your consumption of sugary drinks, food and candy

· Only eat acidic foods during regular meals to help reduce the time the acid is on your teeth

· Don’t snack on acidic foods during the day

· Rinse your mouth with water right after eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages

· Brush your teeth after every meal, waiting at least 20 minutes so you don’t destroy the potentially weakened enamel

If your teeth have suffered from enamel erosion, there are ways to improve and strengthen your teeth again. Naturally, the first thing is to reduce or eliminate the food and drink causing the problem. For health-based tooth enamel loss, you should consult with your physician for an appropriate solution.

For moderate enamel loss, treatments such as fluoride or de-sensitizing toothpastes can be used. Your dental practitioner may even apply a fluoride varnish to further enhance the tooth enamel revitalization. In more severe cases, your dentist may recommend a cosmetic treatment such as porcelain veneers , crowns or bridges .

Don’t let the silent enamel eaters get you! Visit your dentist regularly. That way, he or she will be very aware of the health of your teeth and can give you advice and treatment options as you go.