How to Prevent the Loss of Tooth Enamel
Posted on February 24th, 2023
What is Tooth Enamel?
Tooth enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth that protects the deeper layers that make up the tooth structure from dental disease and injury. The anatomy of a tooth is made up of four layers of tissue, including:
- Enamel
- Dentin
- Cementum
- Pulp
The first three layers are hard tissues that protect the soft fourth layer, the pulp. Enamel is the calcified surface layer you see when you look at your teeth in the mirror. Unlike pulp, which contains connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerve endings, enamel consists of over 90% minerals and no living cells. This means tooth enamel cannot be repaired naturally by the body.
If you want to protect your teeth, then you need to know how to protect tooth enamel. The first step is understanding what causes enamel to wear away so you can take action to prevent it.
How to Prevent Enamel Loss
How Strong is Tooth Enamel?
Tooth enamel is incredibly durable. It’s made to withstand all the daily wear and tear teeth endure every day, such as chewing, drinking acidic beverages like coffee, and biting into hard foods like candy and apples. It’s also meant to protect teeth against injury and prevent tooth decay.
What Causes Tooth Enamel Loss?
Despite its durability, over time tooth enamel damage can occur. Various things in our daily lives may lead to weakened enamel, such as:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching teeth together
- Poor dental hygiene
- A diet filled with acidic foods and beverages
- Harsh brushing (using excessive pressure or force while brushing your teeth)
- Dental injuries (i.e. chipping a tooth)
- Acid reflux
- Dry mouth
- Some medications
While some people are born with thin tooth enamel or have conditions that make them more susceptible to tooth decay, there are ways to combat tooth enamel loss through diet and proper dental care.
Tips to Prevent Damaged Tooth Enamel
If you are concerned because your child is prone to cavities, or you simply want to protect their future oral health with preventative measures, there are many ways to reduce the chances of enamel erosion. Some tips include the following:
- Reduce sugar intake
- Consume fewer acidic foods and drinks
- Visit your pediatric dentist regularly for teeth cleanings and exams
- Keep up with at-home dental care (brushing and flossing every day)
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Stay hydrated (a dry mouth is the perfect environment for decay-causing bacteria to flourish)
- Eat a diet that is rich in minerals and other nutrients that help remineralize enamel
- Use a straw to drink beverages that are acidic or contain sugar
- Avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes after eating (enamel softens immediately after eating, making it susceptible to damage caused by toothbrush bristles)
- Consider dental sealants
If your child already has thinning enamel, preventative measures such as dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and a healthy diet will help them avoid cavities. While tooth enamel can be remineralized to a certain extent, preventing enamel loss is easier than attempting to rebuild it.
Schedule an Appointment at Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry
Protecting your teeth involves proper oral healthcare and a thorough dental hygiene routine. If you’re concerned about your child’s dental health and development, schedule an appointment at Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, your pediatric dentist in Palos Heights, IL.
Contact us online or when you call (708) 448-6700 today.
