In today’s world, it has become crucial to protect everything. We wear glasses to protect our eyes and buy covers to protect our phones. We understand that protecting our possessions, both material and biological, is important as it allows us to enjoy a better life, and yet we completely ignore many of the things that we must be actively protecting. Case in point, our teeth and the enamel guarding them. The enamel may be the hardest substance in our body, but it is susceptible to damages. Therefore, one must actively protect their enamel by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine.
What Causes Enamel Erosion?
Enamel erosion can happen due to several different reasons. However, the most common of all these reasons is what we eat. The acid content in food is the main culprit behind enamel erosion. Not many of us know that sugary foods turn acidic in nature once inside our mouths. Thus, excessive consumption of acidic and sugary foods is the most common cause of enamel erosion, and therefore, dentists often advise people to stay away from these things or at least consume them in moderation.
How Do I Know My Enamel Has Eroded?
If your enamel has eroded, you will experience clear signs. For starters, you will experience tooth sensitivity and pain. This tooth sensitivity will become heightened on consuming hot and cold foods. That apart, if your enamel has eroded, your teeth will appear yellowish as enamel erosion exposes the dentin underneath, which is yellow in color. Finally, if it has been long since your enamel eroded, you might even see the appearance of small cracks and dents while chewing.
What Can I Do to Protect My Enamel?
Readers, here’s the good news: it’s possible to protect your enamel. Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to do it. Here are a few things you can do to protect your enamel.
- The first thing your must do is brush twice a day and floss after every meal. The food stuck between our teeth turns into acid and damages our tooth enamel. Therefore, brush and floss as often as you can.
- That apart, talk to your dentist and request them to recommend to you a good fluoride mouth wash. Several research studies have proven that fluoride strengthens the enamel. So, use a good fluoride mouthwash.
- Stay away from acidic and sugary foods, especially sugar-laced drinks, or if you enjoy them too much, consume them in moderation. Further, always use a straw while having a sugar-laced drink as a straw does an excellent job of restricting the effect of acid to a minimal area.
- Always keep a packet of sugar-free gums with you. These gums increase saliva production and therefore, help clean the acid from teeth.
While enamel erosion is normal, even unavoidable, beyond a certain age, it shouldn’t happen while you are still young and enjoying life. If you are experiencing any of the signs outlined above and think your teeth’s enamel has eroded, you should see your dentist and take advice on what should be done next.
If you are looking for a dentist, HPS Advanced Dental Care would love to see you. Dr. Heather is gladly accepting new patients.
We are located at 4741 24 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48316, and we can be reached at (248) 652-0024. We look forward to meeting you!
