You might have heard in your science class that the strongest substance in your body is the tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel plays a vital role in your overall dental health. The tooth enamel is the translucent covering that serves as the shield protecting the tooth’s soft and sensitive part, which is the dentin. With this, you wouldn’t feel pain when your teeth interact with hot or cold temperatures. Besides protecting the dentin, you also use tooth enamel in your day to day activities such as chewing, biting, and grinding your food.
What is tooth enamel loss?
Despite being strong, the tooth enamel can get damaged too. When your teeth are exposed to sugary and acidic foods and drinks, or when you are suffering from health conditions such as GERD, gastrointestinal problems, and dry mouth; along with your unhealthy oral habits, you may start to experience tooth enamel loss. The force that you apply when brushing your teeth may also cause tooth enamel loss. Symptoms of tooth enamel loss include tooth sensitivity, tooth discoloration, and brittleness or tooth that may quickly get cracked or chipped.
How can I prevent tooth enamel loss?
Since your enamel protects your dentin, without it, your teeth will be exposed to external environments and substances that may harm it, such as cold and hot temperatures. You will become more susceptible to tooth breakage and dental problems too.
Your tooth enamel is irreplaceable. Once it is damaged, there is nothing that can make it come back. So, the best solution is to prevent tooth enamel loss from happening. Here is how:
- Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods
Soft drink is your teeth’s number one enemy. It is full of sugar and very acidic, which can stain the teeth and promotes the growth of plaque-causing bacteria. Instead of drinking sodas when you get thirsty, just drink your water. Watch out your citrus consumption too. While citrus can be a good source of fiber and Vitamin C, they are also very acidic.
- Observe proper dental habits
The best preventative method to fight tooth enamel loss is observing proper dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily and use a fluoridated toothpaste. And make sure to brush gently to prevent the enamel from wearing out. Brushing and flossing will remove the acids from the foods that you consume, while fluoridated toothpaste will help make your teeth stronger. Brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after you eat. Using mouthwash with fluoride can also help strengthen your tooth enamel.
- Visit your dentist regularly
Your routine dental checkup can help determine any dental issues that you might have while in it’s still in its early stage. Inform your dentist with any symptoms that you may be experiencing with teeth or mouth so he or she will be able to perform a thorough evaluation of your dental health. Undergoing professional dental cleaning will also ensure that even the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth are free from bacteria.
