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A Family Dentist in Chicago on Tooth Enamel Erosion
Posted on February 25th, 2022
Causes of Tooth Enamel Loss
Tooth decay is preventable with good oral healthcare and regular dental visits, but unfortunately tooth enamel, which is responsible for protecting teeth against decay, is not something that can be restored once it is gone. This is why it is so important to take care of it, since enamel is the chief protective layer of your teeth.
Despite how tough tooth enamel is, it can still corrode and be worn away over time. When enamel is gone, people often experience tooth sensitivity even before decay sets in. Then, eventually, cavities develop and gum tissue becomes much more susceptible to disease.
While aging does naturally lead to the loss of tooth enamel, there are many other things which actually cause the issue to occur more rapidly. Below, you will find a list of common causes of tooth enamel loss.
- Poor Dental Hygiene
Bad bacteria in the mouth is the primary reason for tooth decay and gum disease. Without proper dental care and oral hygiene, plaque develops and gradually eats away at tooth enamel, and then the more vulnerable layers of teeth beneath that.
If you do not brush your teeth and floss at least twice a day, you leave your teeth vulnerable to plaque build-up. Additionally, you must be sure to visit your dentist every six months for dental check-ups and professional cleanings to prevent tooth decay.
- Certain Mouthwashes
Chlorhexidine mouthwashes, when used repeatedly, have shown to cause an increase in acidity in the mouth, thereby making teeth more vulnerable to enamel loss and tooth decay. The types of mouthwashes should be applied only for short-term use.
- Soda
We all know that soda is hard on our dental health. Between the carbonation and high sugar content, drinking soda leads to a high amount of acid production in the mouth, causing enamel erosion over time. Plain sparkling water can have a similar effect if someone drinks it all the time, though it is less damaging than soda.
- Citric Acid
Even though fruits like oranges and other things high in citric acid are good for your diet and overall health, a high amount of citric acid consumption can wear down tooth enamel. Rinsing your mouth out with water can help wash away the leftover acid after eating these types of foods.
- Sugar
Sugar is a known culprit for causing tooth decay, so eating high amounts of it and/or not cleaning your teeth properly after consuming sugary foods can easily lead to tooth decay.
- Carbs
Processed foods like pasta, crackers, and white bread are high in carbohydrates which quickly lead to high levels of acid production in the mouth, and therefore trigger tooth enamel erosion. This can be avoided by eating fewer carbs, and/or brushing your teeth half an hour after eating.
- Alcohol
Alcohol and the acidity of alcoholic drinks reduces saliva in the mouth, drying it out and leaving teeth and gum tissue vulnerable to bacteria overgrowth.
- Bruxism
Bruxism, a condition in which someone grinds their teeth and clenches their jaw, often at night, can wear away tooth enamel, cause TMJ, as well as damage teeth by causing cracks or chips.
- Acid Reflux
Chronic acid reflux (or GERD) results in stomach acids frequently reaching your mouth, and therefore your teeth. Stomach acid erodes tooth enamel just like acidic foods and drinks do.
Signs of Tooth Enamel Loss
Since tooth enamel cannot be restored once it is gone, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of damaged enamel. This way, you can tell when you might need to pay more attention to your dental habits. Additionally, you can re-strengthen weakened enamel, so being able to tell when your enamel is being worn down will help you protect your teeth.
Some signs of tooth enamel loss include the following:
- Heightened tooth sensitivity (especially to hot, cold, acidic, or even spicy foods and beverages)
- Cracks or chips in teeth
- Discoloration
- Indents on the surface of your teeth
- Tooth pain
Visit Windy City Family Dental – Your Family Dentist Near Chicago
At Windy City Family Dental, we offer essential dental services for patients of all ages. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and provide your family with top quality dental care in Chicago, IL.
