The outermost protective layer of your teeth is known as enamel. Its color may vary from one tooth to the other. In some cases, besides white, it can also be blue-like white, gray, or light yellow. If this part is healthier and stronger, the tooth remains whiter. The hard outer layer is made up of minerals that give it the necessary strength to protect the tooth from getting damaged due to the daily wear and tear.
Enamel’s thickness is 2.58 mm and helps in protecting the sensitive inner layers of the tooth from acids that are present in various food items.
What Are The Problems Caused Due To Damaged Enamel?
The tough shell can get weakened due to celiac disease, overeating acidic food, side effects of medicines, binge drinking, heartburn, genetic reasons, and due to improper brushing as well. In case this shell gets damaged, the tooth’s inner layer called dentin is exposed, and the person starts experiencing pain while consuming foodstuff that’s too cold or hot. Unfortunately, once this cover wears down, it does not grow back. However, some steps can be taken to strengthen the weak enamel cover.
Don’t Brush Your Teeth Too Forcefully
If you often experience a twinge of sensitivity, it is advisable not to brush your teeth with hard bristles. Brushing teeth too hard or fast can damage the enamel even further and break it down. If you brush your teeth twice, it is recommended to keep a gap of at least an hour between your dinner and brushing.
The best preventive step is to brush your teeth with a soft bristle brush for two minutes at least twice a day. When it comes to toothpaste and mouthwash, dentists often recommend fluoride ones. You can also consider opting for enamel-strengthening toothpaste options that can help in making the teeth lesser sensitive.
Bacteria often linger on the tongue, thus, cleaning it along with other areas of the mouth is extremely important. Visit a dental care clinic and get all the teeth examined without delay in case of pain.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Drinking adequate water is something that people indulged in a daily workout often forget. Sufficient water not only helps in remaining hydrated but also keeps the mouth moist and clean. It results in more saliva. On the other hand, dry mouth triggers the effects of acidic foods, resulting in more bacteria.
Dry mouth can be a result of dehydration, too much exercise, allergy to medications, and other medical conditions. So, approaching a doctor is necessary to treat dry mouth according to the experts at Roswell Dentists.
Water is enamel-friendly. So, if two or more teeth are affected due to weak enamel, it is advisable to drink more water and avoid drinking too much fruit juice as well as soda.
Don’t Ignore Eating Disorders And Heartburn
Ignoring medical conditions like bulimia (eating disorder), and severe heartburn is what worsens the situation for enamel. At times, stomach acids flow backward and reach the throat, the mouth of the patient suffering from indigestion. Vomiting due to the eating disorder bulimia can result in the same consequences for teeth. Both these medical conditions need to be treated without any delay.
Consuming Calcium-Rich Food Items Is Crucial
As mentioned earlier, acids can trigger decay. Calcium-rich items like cheese, milk and other low-fat dairy products can help in strengthening the teeth and fight mouth acids as well. Health studies have pointed out that cheese products promote saliva flow. It also helps in maintaining the pH level. Eating a diet containing leafy greens and dairy products can help in rematerializing the enamel. Chewing sugarless gum can also prove to be beneficial when it comes to maintaining saliva levels.
On the other hand, consuming sugar-laden breakfast items, soft drinks, cookies, candy, and bread can create more acids resulting in the demineralization of teeth. Plus, after eating these items, if the concerned person does not brush his teeth on time, the patient might end up with severe oral health issues along with broken teeth.
What Are The Treatment Options?
Sensitivity, discoloration, cracks, a sudden twinge of pain, and cupping are some of the symptoms of enamel erosion. There are a few treatment options to control the damage caused to the tough shell, but only if the cover is damaged up to a certain extent.
In case the patient has developed a grinding habit, the dentist may also recommend wearing a mouth guard while sleeping. Experts at Roswell Dental Care suggest that regular dental checkups are essential to check the signs of trouble during the early stages so that the damage can be kept to a minimum. Of course, there is no way to recover the natural cover. But, the dentist may recommend tooth bonding, covering the affected tooth with a crown or veneer, and suggesting ways to increase the saliva volume in the mouth.