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Tooth enamel loss is a real issue that can affect any one of us. What’s worse, it’s an affliction that stems from the practice of basic habits, meaning that it can be very difficult to avoid. Although difficult, it’s not impossible. So, without further ado, let’s discover what the causes of enamel loss are, how you can prevent it, and why it’s important to protect this translucent layer.
What is Tooth Enamel?
The enamel is the shell which coats the crown of your tooth, the part that is visible outside of the gums. It’s the toughest tissue in the human body, which is definitely telling of the fact that it’s not particularly easy to weaken it. Enamel is a mineral which acts as a protective barrier against various substances and agents such as acids and sugars, potential dangers to your dental health.
Why is it important to prevent cracking and breaking of the enamel? Being a mineral, it lacks the living cells required to promote regrowth in case it weakens and breaks. You can try restoring it, even though it can be a pretty daunting task. In other words, once it’s gone, it’s pretty much gone for good, leaving prevention as your only option to protect it.
What Causes Tooth Enamel Loss?
#1 Drinking Sodas in Excess
Sodas are rich in phosphoric and citric acids, which can damage your tooth enamel in time. They only become a danger if your consumption of soft drinks exceeds normal rates. If there weren’t enough reasons to tone down the sodas already, here’s another for the check list.
#2 Dry Mouth
Low salivary flows can cause enamel erosion, so if you have a feeling that you might suffer from mouth dryness, you might need to look into that.
#3 Stomach Acids
Stomach acids can flow into your mouth in a number of different ways, though this most commonly happens because of an acid reflux disease. Alternatively, bulimia, which is already the source of a great deal of problems, can also lead to this sort of development for the very same reason.
#4 Medication
Certain types of medication can cause enamel breakage. If you take medicine that contains aspirin, vitamin C, or iron, you might need to double up your “security” measures.
How to Prevent Tooth Enamel Breakage
- Follow a diet low in sugars and acids.
- If you do drink acidic drinks, particularly cold ones, it’s recommended that you do it through a straw. This way, you’ll be able to keep the drink away from your teeth.
- After eating, rinse your mouth to remove from the teeth the food particles that could “eat away” at the enamel.
- Brush your teeth and do it correctly: twice a day, in the morning and evening. Moreover, make it so that you let your enamel sit for at least one hour after brushing before you eat or drink something.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, these were the main causes of tooth enamel loss. The easiest way to keeping your teeth healthy is by paying attention to these causes and trying to combat them directly. At the end of the day, though, the secret is simply maintaining a normal standard of oral health.
