Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in our body. The most important job of tooth enamel is to protect our teeth. Tooth enamel is known as the semi-translucent outer layer of our teeth. It is a hard substance. It must protect our teeth from many things. It must protect our teeth from the ever changing temperatures of our foods and drinks, as well as the chemicals and acids that are found in these foods and drinks.
When the tooth enamel has been compromised, tooth enamel erosion has occurred. This causes the tooth or several teeth to become sensitive. This sensitivity can include pain or achiness when one eats certain hot foods or drinks, cold foods or drinks, when one is eating sweets, or at any time.
Causes of Enamel Erosion:
There are a variety of causes of enamel erosion, according to the website, Web MD. These causes can include diet or lifestyle habits such as:
- · Drinking a lot of sodas
- · Drinking a lot of fruit juices
- · Eating a lot of foods filled with sugar
- · Eating a lot of sour and acidic foods
- · Experiencing dry mouth or low saliva on a regular basis
- · Suffering from frequent bouts of heart burn or suffering from Acid Reflux Disease.
- · Suffering from large amounts of stomach acid due to diseases such as alcoholism or bulimia, as well as taking part in binge drinking frequently
- · Using medications that have a high acid count such as aspirin or Vitamin C.
Symptoms Of Enamel Erosion:
There are a variety of symptoms that can indicate that one may have enamel erosion. These symptoms include:
- · Experiencing pain or sensitivity when one eats or drinks cold, hot, or sweet foods or beverages.
- · Having rough edges on one’s teeth
- · Finding smooth shiny surfaces on one’s teeth or a tooth
- · Having yellowed looking teeth
Preventing Enamel Erosion:
Enamel erosion does not have be part of one’s future dental future. You can take steps to avoid this problem. These steps include:
- · Making an annual or semi-annual dentist appointment
- · Brushing your teeth regularly
- · Avoiding foods and beverages that can cause enamel erosion
- · Drink low acid juices
- · Rinsing your mouth after eating
- · Drinking colas and juices with a straw
- · Chewing sugarless gum that contains Xylitol. This will reduce acids from your foods and beverages you ingest. It will also increase your saliva intake
- · Increase the daily amount of water you drink to help your body create more saliva
- · Use fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste
- · Treat any disorders that may cause enamel erosion
By protecting your teeth today from enamel erosion, you may lessen your chances of experience a lot of problems with sensitivity and pain in your mouth later on in life.