Soft Teeth: The Possible Causes and Ways to Prevent this Dental Problem

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Are you facing the issue of soft teeth even after practicing daily dental hygiene? A soft tooth is a condition in which a person’s teeth become weakened and lose their ability to withstand everyday wear and tear. People who experience soft teeth usually deal with dental problems like toothaches, cavities, tooth sensitivity, etc. They seek proper dental treatment to treat these dental problems. No matter how well they practice their daily dental hygiene routine, they continue to notice a turn down in their oral health condition. 

What contributes to soft teeth?

Many people think that soft teeth are a genetic issue. However, there may be other reasons also that contribute to soft teeth. 

  1. Heartburn or acid reflux:  Heartburn or acid reflux can be one of the key reasons that make teeth highly cavity-prone due to damaged enamel. Effect of acid reflux can be more harmful than sugar, soda, and other unhealthy substances. 
  2. Fever: In some children, a childhood fever can be dangerous for their oral health. It can badly affect the development of their teeth. This happens due to severe fever in children that restricts the cells responsible for re-mineralizing the teeth from performing their job effectively. When the cells cannot perform their task, a lesser amount of minerals are passed to the teeth. In the absence of enough minerals, teeth start getting weak. 
  3. Increased consumption of sugary or acidic diet: Having a diet too high in sugar and acid can also lead to a bad oral health condition. It can also lead to cavities and tooth decay issues. It is important to include such food items in your diet in a moderate amount. An excess consumption will increase the chances of decay greatly. It is also recommended to drink a lot of water and include fresh veggies and fruits in your diet to prevent dental issues. 
  4. Enamel Fluorosis: This is a condition in which teeth erupt with fewer minerals. This can happen when a child intakes too much fluoride while their teeth are in the developing phase. As soon as someone notices this issue in their child, it is advisable to see a pediatric dentist prevent the situation from getting worse. 
  5. Other reasons: A trauma or accident may cause serious injury to teeth, leading to the problem of soft teeth. Dental decay can be another reason behind the emergence of soft teeth. In some cases, hormonal imbalances are also the reason behind soft teeth problems. Besides, infections in baby teeth can also negatively affect the teeth development process. The result can be soft teeth that are unable to withstand any wear and tear effectively. 
  6. Cross-contamination: Harmful bacteria can easily pass from one person to another, especially between the family members, via sharing utensils, foods, etc. It is highly advisable not to share your toothbrush with anyone, even with the people in your family, no matter how close you are, to prevent the chances of cross-contamination. 

Ways to prevent cavities and keep teeth healthy and strong

It is vital to implement a good oral health routine and stick to it daily to prevent cavity build-up. Some of the good oral health care habits include:

  • Brush your teeth daily at least two times (morning and evening) a day.
  • Floss your teeth at least once.
  • Be careful while brushing your teeth. Don’t apply too much force, as it can be harmful to your oral health.
  • Investing in a good quality toothbrush with soft bristles can provide good oral health care without damaging the teeth’ enamel. One can also consider using an electric toothbrush to thoroughly clean the teeth without causing damage to teeth and gums.
  • One can ask their dentist to show a detailed tutorial about the correct way to floss teeth properly.
  • Consider including food in your diet that is good for your dental health. Avoid eating food items that are rich in sugar and starch. 
  • Instead of drinking too many sugary juices and sodas, drink plenty of water. Drinking clean water helps to wash away food particles and bacteria present in the lower layer of teeth. 
  • Strictly follow a regular dental check-up routine.
  • Make sure that your child does not sleep with a bottle of milk or juice in his mouth, as it can increase the chances of tooth decay in children. 
  • As soon as the first tooth eruption occurs in your child, make sure to schedule a dental visit.
  • Make your children learn the habit of good dental hygiene by including best practices such as brushing and flossing in their daily schedule. 

FAQs related to soft teeth problem

  • Can soft teeth issues occur later in life?
    • No, developing the issue of soft teeth is not something that happens later in life. It mostly occurs in the development stage of teeth. Many people believe that certain events in the adult stage, such as diabetes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, new allergies, and other events, can cause teeth to become soft (weak). However, if anyone develops cavities, it can result from bad oral hygiene or poor diet. 
  • Is it possible to fix soft teeth?
    • Once tooth enamel is damaged or destroyed, it cannot be restored to its original condition. However, weakened enamel can be restored with a dental treatment by improving its mineral content. 
  • How to prevent the issue of soft teeth?
    • With the help of proper oral health care and dental hygiene, soft teeth can be prevented. Also, make sure to add mineral and vitamin-rich food items and drinks to your diet. Avoid consuming too much sugary and acidic food. 

Conclusion:

Several factors and medical conditions can affect tooth enamel, make it weaker, and potentially lead to soft teeth. It is important to note that soft teeth are more prone to decay, cavities, and damage. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a dentist to get the proper consultation about protecting your teeth. One can visit TruCare Dentistry as the experienced team of doctors here can help you determine a dental health care plan for improving your dental health. For any queries, feel free to visit our site and fix an appointment