Understanding The Culprits Behind Tooth Enamel Erosion And How You Can Stop It

Dentist Blog

The enamel is the hard coating covering your tooth and protecting the inner layers from various forms of damage. Although it is one of the toughest substances, tooth enamel wears out when subjected to corrosion. Therefore, it is prudent to be aware of what might cause damage to its surface so that you can avoid it and maintain healthy teeth. Read on to find out some of the most common reasons why tooth enamel gets eroded.

Excessive Consumption of Sugary Foods

Many have gotten used to snacking on sugary and starchy treats throughout the day. It is a habit that most do not kick because of the sugar rush and the need for an energy boost while they work or study. However, this habit can cause damage without your knowledge. Sugar acts as food for bacteria, and failure to brush your teeth after snacking makes your mouth an ideal breeding place. Thus, if you must eat snacks and drink soda, ensure that you do it in one sitting and then rinse your mouth immediately after. This is imperative because sipping and snacking on sugary things for extended periods can cause significant damage to your teeth.

Some Medications Sold Over the Counter

Certain over-the-counter medications might be the reason you are dealing with sensitive teeth. For example, some allergy medications and aspirin are known to reduce saliva and mucus production. The resulting dry mouth is more likely to cause an overproduction of bacteria that erodes the enamel.

Having a Dry Mouth

A little-known fact is that saliva is an effective weapon against tooth damage. It moves around the mouth and cleanses it of harmful bacteria, even that which may be stuck in hard-to-reach spaces. It also dislodges stuck sugar and starch, minimizing the formation of plaque. Moreover, since saliva is alkaline, it balances the acidity in the chemicals produced by bacteria in the mouth, reducing the speed of enamel erosion. Accordingly, experiencing a dry mouth means that these processes are not as effective as they ought to be.

Poor Nutrition and Oral Hygiene

You should eat foods rich in calcium and fluoride as they help maintain strong and healthy teeth. Besides this, you must brush your teeth routinely and visit the dentist on a regular basis. Eating healthy food and following proper dental health care are proven ways to minimize your chances of enamel erosion.

These are some of the main reasons why your teeth get eroded. You should speak to a family dentist about the state of your mouth, and they will give you professional advice to help reverse your tooth sensitivity. With their intervention, you will soon have stronger and healthier teeth.

For more information, contact a local dental office, like Westnedge Family Dentistry.

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29 November 2022

Emergency Dental Care

The average dentist takes many client appointments each day and also deals with emergency situations on a regular basis. Dental emergencies are very common because people are likely to put off having tooth pain fixed until the pain becomes unbearable. Some people have anxiety about dental visits, and others are trying to avoid the expense of dental care. In either case, the end result is often a dental emergency. I have worked as a professional dental hygienist for many years and have seen all types of dental emergencies. I hope that this blog will help people identify potential emergencies before they become too serious and will allow people to know when to get help.