All About Tooth Enamel

Made up almost entirely of minerals, tooth enamel is the hardest substance found in our bodies. The enamel is the clear protective layer that coats the outside of teeth. Because it is made up almost entirely of inorganic material, it is also nearly impossible to repair. Enamel erosion can leave your teeth weak and powerless to jeopardizing conditions like crunchy foods and extreme temperatures. That’s why it’s so important to proactively maintain your tooth enamel and avoid enamel erosion.
 

Causes

 
Enamel can erode due to a number of factors. There are certain foods that can cause enamel erosion such as sugary or starchy foods or those with high levels of acidity. The longer these foods are in contact with your tooth’s enamel, the more harm they do. Dry mouth can also cause erosion. Dry mouth may be the cause of disease or certain medications, or may itself be a preexisting condition. The reason a dry mouth can cause enamel erosion is that saliva helps neutralize acids and helps wash away harmful bacteria that may eat away at enamel. When we lack saliva, we also lack the ability to mitigate these acids and bacteria. Other diseases such as acid reflux, bulimia, and alcoholism that introduce vomit into the mouth can have an adverse effect on your tooth enamel.
 

Symptoms

 
There are a number of ways to tell that your enamel may be eroding. The first and perhaps most obvious sign is sensitivity. Your teeth will start to become sensitive to different temperatures, sweets, crunchy foods, or sticky foods and begin to cause you pain. You may also notice enamel erosion in the color of your teeth. Often, the yellower the teeth, the more erosion has happened. Cracks & chips in your teeth are also indicative of enamel erosion.
 

Prevention

 
The good news is now that you know all about the dangers of tooth enamel erosion and how important it is to protect your tooth enamel, you can follow these tips to prevent enamel loss!
 

1. What You Eat

   : Avoid sugary, acidic, or overly starchy foods and beverages at all costs. If you must have these types of foods and drinks in your diet, be sure to brush shortly after consuming them. As noted above, the longer these foods stay on your teeth, the more the enamel erodes.

2. Good Oral Hygiene

   : Make daily oral hygiene a habit! Make sure to brush twice a day, floss, and use mouthwash when you can! Be careful when brushing not to apply too much pressure, as this can hurt you more than help you.

3. Visit Your Dentist

   : Don’t skimp on dentist appointments. We know that many of you don’t love coming in for a checkup, but it is far-and-away the best preventative measure you can take to avoid tooth enamel erosion and a number of other issues! Schedule your appointment today!