Enamel covers the outer layer of your teeth, and it provides excellent protection against anything from plaque to accidental impacts. It's actually the hardest substance in the human body, but it can be damaged over time. This process is referred to as dental erosion since it tends to occur slowly over many years. Once your tooth enamel has seriously eroded, your teeth will be far more vulnerable to decay and other types of damage, and there's no way to regrow that enamel once it's gone.
With that in mind, it's well worth learning the following common causes of enamel erosion.
1. Overbrushing
Everyone already knows how important it is to brush their teeth. However, it is possible to brush too hard or brush too much. This is known as overbrushing, and it can wear down your tooth enamel over time. Make sure you aren't applying too much pressure when you brush and don't go over two minutes twice a day.
2. Sugary or Acidic Drinks
Sugary and acidic drinks are among the biggest culprits when it comes to enamel erosion. They include carbonated drinks and fruit juices. It does take a long time for such drinks to eat away at your tooth enamel, so you don't need to give them up completely. However, you should avoid excessive consumption. Additionally, it's best not to sip them slowly throughout the day since this increases the contact those drinks have with your teeth.
3. GERD
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which is sometimes known as chronic acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows up the oesophagus and into the mouth. This can damage the lining of your oesophagus and eat away at tooth enamel. It's a serious issue for both your oral and overall health, so make sure you seek medical assistance and talk to your dentist about how to prevent damage.
4. Bruxism
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth. It's an unconscious habit that often occurs while people are sleeping, and the pressure it places on your teeth can slowly wear away enamel. Luckily, your dentist can offer several treatment options to help prevent bruxism or reduce the damage it causes.
5. Aging
Finally, your tooth enamel will naturally wear away as you age, even if you're strongly committed to good oral health. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about this, but it does underline the importance of continuing to see your dentist regularly as you grow older.
For more information about general dentistry, contact a local company.
Share21 December 2022
As a retired dentist, I work with charities which visit developing countries and educate children about dental care. It gives me great satisfaction to revisit these communities and see how proud the children are of their efforts. I am acutely aware that good dental hygiene can help prevent a range of serious conditions when these children become older. I started this blog because it greatly distresses me that many people in Australia do not seem to care for their teeth as much as children in these poor communities. This is happening despite ready access to items like toothbrushes and toothpaste which are luxuries in the places I visit. It is my hope that this blog encourages you not to take dental health for granted. My greatest wish is that you can be as inspired as the children I see in my charity work. Please read on and enjoy.
