Do you have white spots on your teeth? Are your teeth quite sensitive? Do your teeth have cracks, chips, or indentations? If yes, then you may be experiencing enamel erosion. 

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is the clear coating that protects  your teeth. However, being the strongest substance in the body does not mean it should be  neglected. Enamel can erode. Without the protection of enamel, you not only risk developing  decay, but also abscesses, tooth pain, and even tooth loss. 

What Causes Tooth Enamel Erosion? 

There are several factors that cause tooth enamel to erode, some of which are the result of  everyday actions. Sugars and acids can wear down enamel. If you regularly drink soft drinks or  sugary fruit drinks, you may be damaging your teeth. To protect your teeth, limit your  consumption of such drinks. Alcohol can also erode enamel, as well as a diet that is high in  sugary or starchy foods. The bacteria in the mouth can transform starches and sugars in foods  such as bread into damaging acid.  

Other factors include acid reflux, recurrent vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, genetically  inherited conditions, grinding your teeth, even brushing too hard or not flossing properly. All of  these impact the health of your enamel, and, ultimately, your teeth. Once the enamel is worn or  chipped away, it cannot be replaced. 

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats, replace white breads with whole grains, and  try eating more cheese and yogurt to bolster the calcium in your saliva to keep the acids in  check. 

How Can Enamel Erosion Be Prevented? 

In addition to exercising moderation with soft drinks, alcohol, sugars and starches, and, of  course, taking extra care with regard to medical conditions and your tooth care regimen, there  are a few extra things you can do to protect your smile. Saliva can neutralize harmful acids in  your mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum, you can boost saliva production.  

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats and replace white breads with whole grains.  Add more cheese and yogurt to your diet. Not only are both foods high in calcium, but they also  help neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. 

Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Be mindful of what you eat and drink.  Enamel erosion may also be the consequence of other complications such as excessive teeth  grinding or acid reflux. Regular visits to our office allow our team to provide a full examination. If  we detect that your enamel is eroding, we will discuss potential causes and solutions.  

To schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team today.