Some things in life you just can’t get back — like your tooth enamel. When you’ve lost this outer part of the tooth, your body can’t create more on its own. Enamel is the hard outer part of your tooth that protects the dentin, which is the softer, more sensitive interior. Tooth enamel may be lost as a result of tooth decay, injury, or due to destructive habits like teeth grinding and clenching. Know how to recognize if you have lost tooth enamel and learn what to do next. Your dentist in Reynoldsburg provides information on worn tooth enamel below!
Yes, You Can Lose Tooth Enamel
Even though your tooth enamel is one of the strongest parts of your body, it can still erode due to acidic foods and beverages, decay, injury, or as the result of pressure from nighttime teeth grinding.
When tooth enamel is exposed to the bacteria that results from sugars in your favorite treats, or the acids found in coffee and fruit juices, enamel loss isn’t far behind. Brushing your teeth for two minutes, after each meal or at least twice a day, and flossing daily can help to protect your enamel from decay and erosion.
People who grind their teeth at night or who play contact sports are more vulnerable to enamel loss, too. If you are at a higher risk due to either of these factors, talk to your doctor about protecting your smile with a custom-fit mouthguard. In addition to helping you avoid injury in the teeth, this protective gear has actually been shown to reduce the risk of concussion in athletes, too.
How to Recognize Tooth Enamel Loss
It’s not easy to tell whether or not you have lost tooth enamel. People may start to notice their teeth looking discolored, or they may experience increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. Teeth are also more prone to chipping or cracking when they have lost some enamel. Don’t ignore eroded teeth — let your dentist know as soon as possible to find an effective solution. Your tooth enamel protects the interior of the tooth, and its loss means increased vulnerability to tooth decay, gum disease, and a host of other issues that may result in the total loss of the tooth.
While your dentist cannot create more natural tooth enamel after its loss, remineralization may be possible if the enamel is merely weakened. Remineralization is the process of adding minerals like fluoride or calcium to strengthen the tooth enamel. For teeth that have lost a significant amount of enamel, a dental crown restores form and function.
Hold Onto Your Tooth Enamel!
You can prevent the loss of tooth enamel by taking excellent care of your smile. That includes habitual brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Choose an ADA (American Dental Association) approved toothpaste, which is guaranteed to have fluoride. Floss daily to remove the food particles and bacteria your toothbrush leaves behind. And don’t slack off on your preventive checkups at Mick Family Dental Care! When was your last visit to our office? If it’s been more than six months, you’re past due. Let us know you’d like to schedule your appointment with your Reynoldsburg dentist today!