Top Ten Tips for Protecting Your Enamel from Erosion

Enamel, the outer coating on your teeth, is the hardest substance in your body. But while it’s tougher than bones, enamel has a key weakness: it lacks the ability to regenerate itself as bones do. If you break a bone, it can grow back together. If your enamel wears away, it’s gone and you can’t get it back. Since enamel defends your teeth against cavities, it’s extremely important to take care of this protective layer.

Enamel erosion can occur for a variety of reasons, and the three major categories are diet, heath issues and physical wear and tear.

Many people are unaware of the effect diet has on enamel. Acid sources like carbonated drinks and citrus drinks, when consumed with regularity, can have a serious effect on your enamel. Health issues including dry mouth, acid reflux disease, gastrointestinal problems and bulimia can also lead to enamel erosion. Wear and tear includes friction from your teeth rubbing against each other, fractures due to stress on the teeth, and damage from outside sources, such as brushing your teeth too vigorously or chewing on hard objects.

Following are our top ten tips for holding on to your enamel.

Watch your diet:

Drink fewer carbonated drinks like soda pop and citrus drinks like grapefruit juice, or eliminate them altogether.
If you do occasionally indulge in these types of beverages, drink them through a straw, so the liquid goes straight to the back of your mouth instead of surrounding your teeth.
Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking.
Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva, which helps clean your teeth.

Address health issues:

If you experience dry mouth, let us know; we can help you with this condition.
If you suffer from acid reflux, gastrointestinal problems, or bulimia, talk to your family doctor to address the issue; each of these conditions affects more than just your teeth.

Be gentle with your teeth:

Always avoid biting pens and other hard objects, and use your teeth for chewing food only – not as tools to open containers.
If you are a habitual tooth-grinder, let us know; we can help you address the habit.

Stay on top of oral hygiene:

Brush with fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth.
Keep up with your regular oral care, including brushing and flossing daily and getting professional cleanings every six months.