Take other steps to reduce enamel erosion Visit Dr. Eliminate highly acidic beverages from your diet, including carbonated beverages, juices, and wine. Drink more water throughout the day to help kill bacteria, brush with a fluoride toothpaste, which is known to strengthen enamel. Treatment for tooth enamel loss depends on the problem.
Sometimes, dental bonding is used to protect the tooth and increase the aesthetic appearance. If the damage to the tooth enamel is too advanced for restorative measures to be effective, treatments to repair the enamel will be recommended. One treatment option is to repair tooth enamel with dental bonding. Tooth bonding involves applying a dental resin to the tooth surface to protect damaged areas and restore the intact surface.
Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth, and it protects the sensitive tooth structure underneath.
Even though enamel is considered the strongest mineral substance in your body, it can erode if it is exposed to acidic foods and beverages.
The best thing you can do is to limit your exposure to these damaging acids and eat plenty of calcium-rich foods. Rinsing your mouth after eating and drinking water throughout the day can also help prevent acids from affecting your tooth enamel.
Toothbrushing
When it comes to oral health, brushing is one of the most important habits. It helps prevent cavities, gum disease and tooth decay.
You should brush your teeth twice a day (morning and night) for at least two minutes each time, using fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth. Adding mouthwash to your daily routine is another way to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
The best toothbrush for your teeth is a soft-bristled brush that won’t cause damage to the enamel or gums. Replace your toothbrush as soon as it shows signs of wear and tear.
Brushing in short, circular strokes rather than back-and-forth motions can make sure you get all the surfaces of your teeth and gums clean. You should also avoid applying too much pressure.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth, making them more resistant to acid and plaque. It can be found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other oral care products.
It can also be added to water to protect teeth against decay. Today, most public water supplies in the United States contain a moderate level of fluoride.
When bacteria break down sugars and carbohydrates, they produce acids that strip the minerals from your tooth enamel. The weakened enamel leaves your teeth susceptible to acid erosion and cavities, which can lead to serious dental problems like lost teeth.
Saliva that contains fluoride disrupts this attack by adding back calcium and phosphate to your teeth. It can also remineralize your enamel, which helps rebuild it and make it stronger.
Diet
If you are losing enamel, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet. This is because a healthy diet can help to keep your teeth and gums strong for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Ensure you are eating a wide range of foods, with a high focus on whole, unprocessed food. This means eating foods like vegetables, fruit, lean meats, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and beans.
Avoid a lot of sugary food and drinks as they can lead to tooth decay and other health problems. It is also important to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables as they are packed with nutrients that will be good for your health and also help to keep your teeth and gums strong.
Drinking juices that are mainly made from fruit can soften the enamel on your teeth so you should only have these during meal times. Alternatively, dilute them with water or milk. Choosing low-sugar, natural sweeteners can also be helpful as they will not harm your teeth and can help to prevent tooth decay.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a liquid rinse that can be used to improve your oral health. It can help to kill bacteria in your mouth, strengthen teeth, and prevent gum disease.
It can also freshen breath and remove particles that brushing or flossing might miss. However, it is not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
Your dentist can recommend a mouthwash that will best suit your oral needs, such as to fight bad breath or improve overall dental health. They will also be able to recommend products that are ADA-approved and contain ingredients proven to prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Using mouthwash is recommended once or twice a day, as a short-term adjunct to brushing and flossing. Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride or bicarbonate to re-mineralize enamel and reduce the acidity of saliva, which can protect tooth enamel.
When you start to notice enamel loss, it's important to call your dentist. Don't wait until your next scheduled appointment. Your dentist can find the source of the loss and help you get treatment for any problems you may have caused. Once tooth enamel has completely eroded, it cannot grow back.
However, you can restore tooth enamel before it disappears with proper care techniques. Let's take a closer look at enamel, how to identify tooth enamel loss, ways to prevent enamel loss, and solutions to treat this condition.
