Top 4 Enemies of Tooth Enamel
Avoiding these 4 enemies of tooth enamel can help keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Although it may not get much attention, tooth enamel is actually one of the most important tissues in your body. When tooth enamel becomes damaged, the nerves and pulp inside teeth become exposed. Not only is this painful; it also paves the way for infection and inflammation that can eventually lead to tooth loss. In turn tooth loss can affect just about every aspect of your being, from your health to your mental state to your looks and your social relationships. Understanding the following top 4 enemies of tooth enamel can help you keep your enamel intact and your teeth healthy, so you can chew, speak, and smile normally into old age and beyond.
Plaque Bacteria
When you don’t brush and floss your teeth like you should, bacteria accumulate on your teeth in a film called plaque. These bacteria then feed on bits of food trapped between teeth, which causes them to produce acid that is very damaging to tooth enamel. This process is what causes tooth decay. Keeping plaque bacteria at bay with good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are very important for protecting the strength and integrity of your tooth enamel.
Acidic Foods & Drinks
The natural acids present in certain foods and drinks can also erode tooth enamel over time. In particular, the acids in citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, honey, and wine can erode tooth enamel if consumed too frequently or held in the mouth too long. Sodas and energy drinks also tend to have high acidic content that wears away tooth enamel. To protect your enamel, limit your consumption of these foods and drinks, and remember to brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth out after indulging.
Dry mouth
Because saliva is very important for protecting teeth from enamel erosion, drymouth can be a serious problem. Without sufficient saliva flow, bacteria and acids will stay in the mouth longer and therefore do more damage to teeth and enamel. Healthy saliva flow is also important for delivering calcium to teeth to keep them strong.
Grinding
Tooth enamel is hard enough to resist damage from the foods we eat, but when enamel rubs against itself both surfaces can begin to wear down. Some enamel loss due to grinding is common as we age, simply because teeth sometimes rub together when we eat. However, serious enamel loss can occur in a relatively short period of time if you grind your teeth in your sleep. If you often wake up with a dull headache or sore jaw, tell your dentist so they can check for signs of grinding and provide a protective mouthguard if needed.
