What Causes Damage To Tooth Enamel?
You may be surprised to know that your tooth enamel, which is the outer covering of your teeth, is the strongest substance in your body. When you give it some thought, it makes sense considering all of the biting and chewing we do on a daily basis — not to mention that our teeth are constantly exposed to the elements and frequently in harm’s way. Although your tooth enamel is strong, and can withstand a lot, it is not indestructible and can easily be damaged when it is not cared for properly.
What Can Damage Tooth Enamel?
Your teeth are designed to withstand constant use of biting and chewing. This is why certain teeth are shaped in certain ways. However, we don’t always care for our teeth properly. Things that can damage enamel include:
Lack of Oral Hygiene Routine
It is recommended for you to brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily and use dental floss regularly as well. If you do not clean your teeth correctly, lingering food and bacteria can begin to eat away at the enamel of your teeth leading to decay.
Clenching and Grinding Teeth
When dealing with high times of stress, many patients develop a habit of clenching and grinding their teeth. It often happens during sleep, and many patients are not aware they have this habit. Over time, it can cause premature wear on the teeth and lead to sensitivity issues and cracks.
Highly Acidic Foods
Foods that are highly acidic, such as carbonated beverages, white wine, citrus fruits, tomato sauce, berries, and apples can cause tooth enamel to break down. While some of these foods are extremely healthy choices, we recommend cleaning your teeth thoroughly after eating.
Foods With High Sugar
For years you have learned that sugar is bad for your teeth and the reason is because the sugar that is left behind on the teeth eventually turns into acid and plaque, causing the tooth enamel to decay and break down.
One of the best ways we can inspect your tooth enamel is through a routine hygiene examination and cleaning. If it has been some time since your last visit we encourage you to call our office located in Wellington, FL to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
