Have You Checked Your Tooth Enamel Lately
Enamel, the thin, translucent outer covering of your teeth, is the hardest substance produced in your body. It can be damaged from plaque bacteria, sugars, and acids which can turn into a cavity. Enamel is a unique part of your body, and its care is vital for your health and appearance.
Enamel protects your teeth from the chewing, and grinding that happens every day and it provides insulation to protect your teeth so that hot and cold or sweet foods don’t cause pain.
Is Your Enamel Wearing Away?
As stated, enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it can still be eroded over time. Enamel has no living cells, so once the damage is done, it’s a permanent problem that cannot be healed. Eroded enamel can leave your teeth susceptible to decay and if ignored those cavities can lead to infection and tooth abscesses. Worn enamel also affects the appearance of your smile.
Tell-Tale Signs of Missing Enamel
The following signs can help you determine whether your Enamel is in trouble:
Stained or Discolored Teeth
Enamel that is eroding exposes the dentin beneath the surface of your teeth, and is likely to result in yellow or dark stained teeth.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
As enamel wears away, the edges of your teeth may become more jagged and begin to have rough indentations on the surface of your teeth.
Painful Teeth and Tooth Sensitivity
When the insulating layer of enamel wears away, your teeth may become more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet food. If you experience shooting pain when eating these foods, it is a warning sign that your enamel is wearing thin. If the pain is more than an occasional zing, that is a sign of significant enamel loss.
Ways to Prevent Enamel Erosion
Enamel erosion can be prevented by caring for your teeth in the following ways:
- Drink lots of water throughout the day to rinse your mouth from cavity-causing bacteria.
- Eliminate highly acidic drinks from your diet, including soft drinks, energy drinks, juice and wine. If you choose to drink these acidic beverages on occasion, do so through a straw to reduce direct contact with your teeth.
- Sugar-free gum with xylitol is beneficial since it reduces acids and cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth.
- Simple routines and daily habits can go a long way to make sure your enamel stays strong. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, to strengthen your tooth enamel.
What To Do About Worn and Missing Enamel
Tooth enamel itself cannot be restored once it has been eroded, but cosmetic dentistry can restore the appearance of your teeth and improve your self-confidence with a beautiful smile.
Dental Crowns
If your tooth enamel is severely eroded, Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS may advise covering your affected teeth with crowns. Dental crowns increase the strength and functionality of a damaged tooth and improves the appearance of your smile.
Dental Bonding
Bonding involves having a tooth-colored material applied to your natural teeth that hardens under a special light so it bonds permanently to your natural teeth. This process leaves your teeth with a sparkling white finish that also enhances your smile.
Preventive Ways to Reduce Enamel Erosion
One of the most important steps to reduce enamel erosion is to have regular appointments with Dr. Evanson every six months. Preventive dentistry helps you discover oral problems early and learn personalized ways to keep your smile healthy, including remineralization, veneers and other effective treatments.
If you are concerned about enamel erosion or other oral problems, please contact Dr. Evanson online or call (720) 409-0008 for an appointment.
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