Have you noticed any white spots on your teeth? How sensitive are they? How about cracks, chips, or indentions on them? If so, you may be suffering from enamel erosion and should see our Capitol Hill pediatric dentist.
Our teeth have the hardest enamel of any body part. Dental enamel protects your teeth. Despite its strength, the body’s strongest substance shouldn’t be ignored. An enameled surface can erode over time. If enamel is not present, you are at risk of developing decay, abscesses, tooth pain, and even tooth loss.
Which factors contribute to enamel erosion?
Teeth erode for many reasons, some of which are related to everyday activities. For instance, sugar and acid can erode enamel. You can damage your teeth by drinking soft drinks or sugary fruit drinks frequently. Limit your consumption of these beverages to protect your teeth. A high sugar or starch diet can also erode enamel, as can alcohol. The bacteria in the mouth can turn starches and sugars found in foods like bread into harmful acids.
You may also suffer from acid reflux, recurrent vomiting, digestive issues, genetically inherited conditions, grinding your teeth, or over-brushing and under-flossing. Your enamel, and ultimately your teeth, are affected by these factors. The enamel cannot be replaced once it has been worn away.
Eat fewer sweets so they aren’t everyday treats, replace white bread with whole grains, and eat more cheese and yogurt to keep your saliva’s calcium level high.
Is enamel erosion preventable?
Aside from limiting your intake of soft drinks, alcohol, sugars, and starches and being extra cautious about health conditions and tooth care, there are several other things you can do to protect your smile. For instance, saliva can neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. It is possible to boost saliva production by drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum.
Don’t let sweets become everyday treats, and switch to whole grains instead of white bread. Enjoy yogurt and cheese more often. In addition to being high in calcium, both foods neutralize harmful acids in your mouth.
Healthy teeth depend on solid enamel. Make wise food and drink choices. Additionally, enamel erosion can result from other conditions such as excessive grinding of the teeth or acid reflux. We recommend that you visit our office regularly for a complete dental examination. We will discuss potential causes and solutions if we detect that your enamel is eroding.
Get in touch with our dental team today to schedule your appointment to our pediatric dental office in Capitol Hill Washington, DC.