The strongest tissue in our body is enamel which is considered stronger than bone. This doesn’t mean that enamel is not prone to cavities and decay. Due to changing oral condition enamel weaken and start to erose
The best point is that weekend enamel on teeth can be recovered with little care and modifying dietary habits.
So here we will discuss some at home care to prevent enamel weakening
Weakened Enamel On Teeth: Enamel Erosion
Our teeth constantly suffer from environmental changes, such as temperature and acidic changes. Also, we must bear destructive substances like sugar and tobacco smoke due to a bad diet.
Due to these factors, 9 out of 10 people suffer from Enamel loss and may develop cavities. This thing causes enamel loss and carries the most prevalent oral disease.
This article may be a lifesaver if you are also someone with weak and porous enamel.
Enamel Functioning
The outer layer of the teeth is made up of a hard tissue known as enamel which is made up of hydroxyapatite crystals and calcium. It acts against physical and chemical hazards and protects the internal structure of the teeth.
It acts as the first line of defense for teeth against many chemicals such as acidic fluids and bacteria.
With time enamel may become prone to wear and weaken. The process of enamel weakening gradually is called enamel erosion.
Enamel erosion can cause many painful symptoms, including dentine hypersensitivity and teeth discoloration enamel is a nonliving tissue. Once it is gone, it can’t be recovered, but you can prevent further erosion by taking precautionary steps in time. Here are some of the common symptoms which will help you to identify enamel erosion at the time and stop it
Dentine Hypersensitivity
In most cases, it is considered the first symptom of enamel erosion due to weakened enamel teeth becoming sensitive to temperature changes. Certain foods consumption will cause pain in teeth which radiate to the brain.
Discoloration
Due to weak and porous enamel, you may observe external food stains, and also, teeth appear slightly yellow with time because of underlying yellow dentine.
Cracks and Chips
If we observe normal teeth, their edges will appear very smooth and will not hurt your tongue and cheeks, but in eroded teeth, the edges become irregular and rough.
Teeth also give a smooth and shiny appearance, indicating hydroxyapatite and calcium loss.
Extreme Pain
At the late stages of enamel erosion, your teeth may become extremely sensitive to temperature changes, and even at this point, you will feel pain in speaking and slightly touching your teeth with your tongue.
Cupping
This is a phenomenon in which indentations will appear on the surfaces of your teeth, affecting your bite and chewing ability.
Causes of Enamel Erosion
There are many causes of enamel erosion. Some may be due to bad dietary habits and medications, while on the other hand, sometimes it may be because of any trauma or injury.
Genetic disorders like Sjogren syndrome may also lead to enamel erosion saliva created by glands constantly maintaining the mouth’s environment and neutralizing acids. But, if your saliva secretion is low or you consume too many acidic drinks and sugars without maintaining proper oral hygiene, your enamel will erode with time.
Some of the most common causes of enamel erosion are
- Foods rich in sugar such as candies, juice, chocolate, and fizzy drinks
- Foods with high concentrations of carbohydrates such as acidic drinks, bread, citrus fruits, and berries
- sodas with a high concentration of citric acid and phosphoric acid such drink also contain a high concentration of sugars
- Excessive intake of vitamin C in the form of citrus fruits
Some of the Other causes of normal erosion which are not related to dietary habits are
- Acid reflux from the stomach to the oral cavity, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease(if you want to buy an anti-GERD toothpaste, then this guide on Best Toothpaste For Acid Reflux Protecting Enamel From Erosion is) for you
- Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which the salivary glands reduce salivary flow, and because of the absence of immune bodies, Bacteria erode enamel
- Certain drugs such as antihistamines and aspirin or diseases like bulimia interfere with the normal activity of the digestive system, and acid in the mouth increases.
- Last but not least, some genetic diseases can also result in enamel erosion; the most common diseases responsible for affecting enamel are enamel hypoplasia and amelogenesis imperfecta
Environmental Causes of Weakened Enamel
In addition to diet and genetic disorders, environmental factors such as friction and wear and tear can also cause enamel erosion.
Attrition
It is a tooth to tooth grinding process that happens when you clench and grind your teeth like bruxism. It can be either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Abrasion
This happens when teeth come in contact with some external factors such as brushing teeth too hard or biting hard objects such as fingernails. In most cases, the enamel is chipped off by abrasion instead of slow enamel erosion.
Abfraction
Also known as stress wear and tear, it is a type of physical injury in which tooth surface cracks from flexing or bending.
Corrosion
It is because of high acid levels in the mouth, medications, highly acidic foods, or genetic disorders.
Preventing Enamel Loss
To maintain healthy enamel and prevent enamel weakening on teeth, you must follow a few steps like brushing regularly, flossing, and rinsing with fluoride mouthwash. Visit your dentist regularly, and make sure to follow the instructions given below.
- Avoid highly acidic foods such as Fizzy drinks, soda, and citrus fruits. You can choose alternative options like low acid orange juice and make sure to rinse your mouth immediately after intake of such acidic drinks. Using a straw for such acidic drinks will also help to reduce enamel erosion.
- After every meal, try to drink a glass of milk or cheese. It will help in balancing the pH of the mouth.
- If you love snacks, try taking them at once instead of taking them throughout the day. Snacking throughout the day will keep your mouth acidic, which is not favorable.
- Use fluoridated mouthwashes and toothpaste, as the fluoride will absorb enamel and make it resilient to decay.
- Try using sugar-free or xylitol-based gums, as chewing gum will produce 10x more saliva and help strengthen teeth.
- Increase your water intake if you feel dry mouth or suffer from xerostomia
- If you are at risk of cavities, then Go for sealants
- Use a soft bristle toothbrush and try to brush after an hour of food intake, as it will help more in preventing enamel erosion.
FAQs
Can you reverse enamel erosion?
Yes, you can reverse enamel erosion UpTo a small extent, but if the damage is converted into cavities, there will be no way back.
Which food helps in strengthening enamel?
Foods rich in vitamins, calcium, and Antioxidant help in strengthening enamel
What is the best treatment for weakened enamel?
First, visit your dentist, as they will help you determine the best treatment.
After that, try to change your dietary habits and eat more wisely.
Conclusion
Nowadays, weakened enamel on teeth is common, and 2 out of 10 people suffer from this. This condition is not dangerous until it turns into caries and digests your whole teeth.
Make sure to treat weakened enamel
at early stages, so you don’t lose your teeth.