Did you know that tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body? Yes, you read that correctly! Enamel is a semi-clear hard layer that helps keep your teeth protected from food, drink, and overall wear and tear. You can think of enamel as a protective shell that keeps acids and chemicals from having an impact on your smile.
However, our dentist near Itasca has seen firsthand the effects that worn-down enamel can have on the health of your smile. Unfortunately, once your enamel is gone, there is no way for you to restore it.
Here are some common causes of the loss of tooth enamel.
- Sour/acidic foods and drinks: Candies and other sour foods give tooth decay an ideal environment to grow, which can lead to damage to your enamel.
- Sugary foods: Too much sugar in your diet can have a slew of negative impacts, but especially on your enamel. The bacteria that are located inside of your mouth are attracted to sugar and, in return, they produce acids that attack your enamel.
- Brushing your teeth too hard can wear away at your enamel, so make sure not to use too much force while you are brushing. Opting for a soft toothbrush is often ideal unless our dentist in Itasca tells you otherwise.
- Grinding your teeth: You may not know it, but it is common for people to grind their teeth while they are sleeping. In order to combat grinding, you can utilize a protective mouthguard while you sleep.
Protecting Your Enamel
In order to protect your enamel, there are certain habits that you should implement into your routine. Try to cut down on acidic food and drinks, and make sure to rinse your mouth with water when you are done eating or drinking something. If you have recently had an acidic drink or beverage, consider using a fluoride mouth rinse afterward to help protect your enamel.
If you are interested in learning more about protecting your enamel, contact our dentist near Itasca today for an appointment!
