Our teeth work hard and are consistently under assault. It’s no wonder that nature encases them with an armor of enamel—the hardest substance in the body. Sadly, enamel erosion is extremely common, though largely preventable. Enamel’s chief enemies are acidic foods and beverages. Other factors that can weaken enamel or wear it away are some medications, tooth grinding, acid reflux, gastrointestinal ailments, chewing ice or other hard substances, and eating disorders.
At Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Center, we educate our patients about how to keep their enamel strong and halt continued erosion if some has already developed.
Here are five quick facts about enamel erosion:
1. Enamel is unlike many other tissues in the body; once it has been eroded, it can’t be regenerated.
2. According to the NIH, 41% of youth already have enamel erosion. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11132512
3. Vigorous brushing can damage enamel.
4. Diet sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks are just as harmful as sugared sodas.
5. Dry mouth can weaken enamel because it results in less saliva which helps keep enamel healthy and strong.
If you have already experienced enamel erosion, it’s vital to halt continued erosion. There are several dental procedures that can protect the teeth that have been compromised. Call Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Center today at 314-576-0088 to schedule an examination. Doctor Buchheit will give you advice on the best dental treatments for enamel erosion.
