admin
Nov 26, 2021
Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in our body, but we often disregard it because it is not visible to us. The outer surface of our teeth, enamel is part of the crown area, and it saves our teeth from damage caused by the acids produced in the mouth.
The translucent outer covering protects teeth from extremely hot and cold foods and chemicals. However, the daily attack on the enamel of a variety of foods and acids leads to wear and tear. Thus, dentist Hope Island recommend maintaining optimum oral hygiene to avoid erosion of tooth enamel.
Enamel loss can be easily identified if you experience tooth sensitivity while consuming hot and cold foods or sweets. It is significant to understand that the body cannot regenerate tooth enamel, so it is lost forever if it is damaged once. Thus, you must work hard to avoid tooth enamel loss. Here is what you need to know.
What Causes Enamel Erosion?
Although it is the hardest part, it can break if you are not following a healthy oral routine. Consuming too many sugary items, starchy foods, and acidic drinks or chewing tobacco can harm your tooth enamel.
Also, people suffering from acid reflux can have an acidic environment in their mouths that can cause erosion. Enamel loss can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as friction caused between two teeth during grinding and clenching.
Bruxism can also cause erosion. Thus, dentists suggest wearing a mouthguard to avoid the problem. Many people have the habit of brushing their teeth vigorously that can cause sufficient damage to the enamel.
It can also break if you try to bite extremely hard foods or objects like bottle caps or pencils. Also, consuming highly acidic foods or alcoholism can break the enamel and harm the teeth.
If the enamel is lost, the dentist can use cosmetic dentistry like teeth bonding to protect the teeth. If the enamel is completely damaged, using crowns and veneers is the only remedy left to protect the teeth.
How to Recognise Enamel Erosion?
Besides sensitivity, you can identify enamel damage if the teeth appear discoloured as the dentin becomes exposed and gets stained from food. You can also witness cracks on the edges of the teeth, or they may appear jagged, which is a sign of erosion.
Another sign is cupping, which can be recognised by the depressions visible on the teeth’s surface. Enamel erosion leads to cavities and decay and if the infection reaches the nerve fibres of the teeth, it can cause extreme pain. Thus, preventing enamel loss is necessary.
How to Avoid Enamel Loss?
As stated above, it is significant to avoid enamel loss since it cannot be restored because of the lack of living cells. So, here is how it can be preserved.
- Brush and Floss Religiously
Brushing and flossing is the cleaning routine for your teeth, and it should not be missed. You must brush your teeth twice a day and after eating a sugary meal to avoid plaque and cavities.
Flossing once a day helps in removing the food particles that get stuck between teeth and are not removed through brushing.
The brush should be kept at a 45-degree angle and the bristles should move in a circular motion. Do not brush with force as it can affect the enamel and change your toothbrush often.
- Use A Fluoride Toothpaste
A fluoride toothpaste aids in strengthening the enamel and reduces the production of acid in the mouth. Fluoride is known to guard teeth against demineralisation that takes place when bacteria feed on the sugar consumed by the person and produces acids that erode the enamel.
It further reduces the vulnerability of teeth and prevents cavities. You can also include fluoridated tap water instead of bottled water in your diet. You can ask your dentist to get the right fluoridated products.
- Stop Binging on Junk Foods
Dental hygiene should be a priority if you want to protect your teeth and gums from decay and enamel loss. A significant part of maintaining hygiene is restricting sugary foods and beverages.
The bacteria in the mouth feed on sweet drinks and foods, so they must be avoided at all costs. You must also stop snacking between meals, consuming soda regularly, eating candies and chocolates, and chewing hard foods that can break the enamel.
- Stick to A Healthy Diet
Consuming healthy and nutritious meals not only makes your body fit but also makes your teeth strong. Thus, you must eat foods that are full of essential nutrients and help in the mineralisation of teeth.
These include fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, low-fat dairy products, and lots of water. If you have sugar cravings, you can opt for sugar-free chewing gums as they increase the production of saliva. Also, avoid too much alcohol or acidic fruit drinks and use a straw for drinking these beverages.
Conclusion
Dental hygiene should not be taken for granted as teeth help us to chew, grind and flash a beautiful smile. Thus, dentists in Hope Island ask their patients to follow the tips mentioned above to protect their tooth enamel.
