PRONAMEL acid wear test
These five questions are about your personal diet, eating and oral care habits so you can assess how
at risk you are to acid wear.
1. When do you normally brush your teeth in the morning?
Did you know?
The majority of Australias brush their teeth two to three times a day. At school we were
always taught to brush after every meal. Brushing immediately after every meal is actuallly
incorrect as this is when your teeth are at their weakest. The best time to brush is an
hour after eating.
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2. Have you noticed a change to the colour, lustre (brightness)
and translucency of your teeth over time?
Did you know?
When tooth enamel is exposed to acids (from food,
drink or the stomach), our teeth become temporarily
softened, making them vulnerable to wear. Enamel
is the white, outer layer of the teeth which acts as the
protector of denture, the major component inside teeth.
Dentine is softer than tooth enamel and when exposed
can become sensitive as it is connected to the central
nerve of the tooth. Dentine is yellow in colour. When
tooth enamel is worn through acid wear dentine begins
to be exposed causing yellowing and sensitivity.
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3. How often do you consume fruit or fruit juice?
Did you know?
Australians love their fruit. 84% of Australians eat fruit everyday and 60% are making a conscious effort to eat fruit more regularly. High exposure to the acids found in fruit temporarily weakens tooth enamel causing vulnerability and as a result wear.
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4. How often do you drink acidic drinks e.g. fruit juices, soft or carbonated drinks, wine, sports drinks?
Did you know?
It's hard to avoid acidic drinks all the time.
A third of Australians drink orange juice daily and a quarter drink wine at least once a week. It's a good idea to follow these drinks with a glass of water to wash away acidic substances.
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5. In terms of your snacking habits, which of the following statements do you agree with most?
Did you know?
Acid wear and eating habits – 54% of Australians snack 2-3 times a day. Snacking all day increases the frequency and duration of exposure to acidic foods and beverages. Swishing acidic liquids in your mouth can also add to the condition.
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