Protect your teeth from enamel erosion!
Before you decide to cool down with a nice cold soda, think about this: soda is the number one cause of tooth enamel erosion. Tooth enamel erosion may start out as a mild irritant, but it can quickly turn into other, much worse, dental problems. Tooth enamel is extremely important, but it is worn away by soda and other sugar-y things we consume.
Tooth Enamel Protects Your Teeth
Tooth erosion affects your whole tooth, but it starts with the enamel. Enamel is the hard, protective layer around the crown of each of your teeth. Think of the crown of your tooth as the castle and the enamel is the moat. Tooth enamel has three very important features:
It is the hardest substance in the human body.
Even at its thickest point, tooth enamel is just a couple of millimeters thick.
Tooth enamel can be yellow, grayish, white, or bluish in color.
Acid is Tooth Enamel’s Greatest Enemy
The main cause of tooth enamel loss is acid. The acid contained in what we eat and drink slowly wears away at our tooth enamel, which leaves our teeth vulnerable to damage. The most common reason for acid in our mouths is what we eat and drink, but other things can cause it too, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Acid reflux
- GI tract issues
- Acidic medications
- Not enough saliva
- Genetics
- Teeth grinding
Side Effects of Tooth Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel erosion can cause many problems for your teeth:
Tooth sensitivity-sensitivity to heat, cold, brushing, or being exposed to air
Yellow teeth– this is not discoloration. When your enamel wears away, it exposes the underlying dentine of your teeth, which is yellow.
Uneven edges on the teeth– rough edges that end up being chips and cracks
Shiny spots on the teeth- a sign that your teeth are lacking minerals.
Increased tooth decay– enamel erosion makes your teeth far more susceptible to cavities.
Tooth fracturing– as enamel erodes, tooth structure grows weaker and cracks and fractures become more frequent.
See-through teeth– when tooth enamel is worn down, your teeth get thinner until they appear almost transparent.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Health Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online.
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