Knowing why tooth enamel loss happens and what you can do to prevent it is essential, so let’s cover the why and how here.
Tooth enamel loss is a phenomena in which the tooth enamel is eaten away by different substances, including different kinds of foods, drinks, bacteria and more. All of this can lead to both teeth staining and bad breath. In worst case scenarios, a tooth may lose so much enamel that the pulp gets infected, allowing bacteria to enter through a cavity caused by the enamel loss. Luckily for everyone, this natural process can be slowed down by taking proper steps in dental hygiene and avoiding certain foods and drinks. Today we will cover the more essential things that either should or shouldn’t be in your daily routine.
Why Tooth Enamel Erosion Happens
Tooth enamel loss, also known as tooth decay in common terms, is caused by many different things. Let’s cover the top three reasons why this happens and how to slow this natural process down. It is important to note that once tooth enamel is lost, it is gone forever.
Acidic Foods, Beverages & Sugar
Probably the most common reasons for tooth enamel loss are foods and beverages high in acidic properties, and, as you’ve probably guessed, anything with an excess amount of sugar, such as candies. Wine, coffee, sodas and many other beverages may be high in acid, sugar, alcohol and caffeine, all of which can cause major damage to the tooth enamel. This also holds true for foods rich in acidic properties, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits, just to name a few. Avoiding these or limiting the amount that you consume will reduce damage done to the tooth enamel. Just make sure to brush after an hour has passed, as brushing too soon in this case can push the acid and sugar even further into any crevices between the teeth.
Bad Oral Hygiene
A lack of proper oral hygiene can undoubtedly cause major tooth erosion and a massive build-up of plaque and bacteria. Brushing three times each day along with flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will drastically reduce tooth enamel loss and promote healthy oral status, especially if it is a fluoride based mouthwash, which will help strengthen the enamel that you still have. Not following these steps can also lead to many other different oral diseases, such as gingivitis, cause staining of the teeth, and may lead to cavities and other dental problems. This is all due to the lack of removal of bacteria and plaque. So try your best to implement these into your daily routine.
What it looks like
Tooth enamel loss can be subtle or very noticeable, both in how it looks, feels and how your teeth operate. The first sign of tooth enamel loss is sensitivity to hot or cold; following a slight discoloration or transparency surrounding the teeth. Tooth enamel loss may eventually lead to cavities or in worst case scenarios, tooth infections caused by bacteria entering through cavities caused by enamel erosion. If you have extreme tooth enamel loss, talking to your dentist will be able to help create a plan to solve this problem, which could be somas simple as switching to a different toothpaste, or fitting a crown so that extreme sensitivity to hot or cold can be avoided.