Taking Care Of Your Enamel Is The Best Way To Keep Your Teeth Strong And Healthy

If you like having a great smile and healthy teeth, you should realize that this is easier to achieve if you take care of the enamel on your teeth. Enamel is something that develops naturally on your teeth as they erupt, but it can wear away as you age and if you have bad oral habits. Without enamel, your teeth will become weak and prone to problems, and here are three important things you may want to learn about the enamel on your teeth and its importance.

What Enamel Is

If you compared every item your body is made up of in terms of strength, you would find that the enamel on your teeth is the strongest and hardest item in your entire body. Enamel is considered a mineral, because that is what it is made with, and it covers your teeth to protect them. Enamel is found on all teeth when they first erupt, and the strength and health of your teeth rely on having enamel on them for protection. Enamel is great at stopping acids from eating away at your teeth, and it is essential for protecting the under layers of your teeth.

The Causes Of Enamel Erosion

Unfortunately, enamel can erode. Erosion is a process that can naturally occur over time, but it is more likely to occur with people that do the following things:

  • Consume a lot of soda, fruit juice, or energy drinks – All these drinks are highly acidic and full of sugar. Sugar and acid are two main enemies of your enamel, which is why people who consume a lot of these types of beverages are at a higher risk for losing the enamel they have on their teeth.
  • Eat a lot of sugary snacks – The foods you eat will also play a role in the health of your enamel. Anyone who eats a lot of candy and other types of sugary foods will be at a higher risk for enamel erosion.
  • Brush your teeth aggressively – Your brushing habits can also be devastating for enamel. When a person brushes aggressively, it can cause the enamel to erode and wear away.

As enamel erosion starts to occur, it will only continue to worsen. Once you are missing some of your enamel, you may start to see or feel side effects from this. One effect this can have is increased sensitivity with your teeth. If it hurts to take a drink of ice-cold water, it is likely due to a loss of tooth enamel. In addition, when tooth enamel is not thick enough, it can lead to higher risks of decay, discoloration of your teeth, and increased risks of tooth cracks and chips.

Ways To Keep It Strong Or Replace It If Necessary

The best way to prevent problems with your teeth is to keep the enamel strong by avoiding enamel erosion. Once your enamel is gone, there is nothing you can do to get it back, and that is why it is so important for you to properly care for your teeth. If you find out that your enamel is starting to erode, your dentist may suggest using fluoride toothpaste and rinses to help strengthen the enamel that is still remaining on your teeth.

Your dentist may also recommend using composite bonding to fix the loss of the enamel. Bonding is a great option for this, as it can be easily placed on teeth to serve as an alternative to enamel. Your dentist may also have other recommendations for you, but these will depend on your situation.

Enamel is not something to fool around with. It is vital and extremely important for your tooth health. If you have questions about this subject, you should talk to a dentist at a dental office like Little Peoples Dentistry today. 


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