Struggling With Sensitive or Soft Teeth? It Could Be Enamel Erosion
The Crucial Role of Tooth Enamel
Did you know that dental enamel is the strongest substance in the human body? It can also withstand roughly 5,600 pounds of pressure per square inch. That’s amazing! Unfortunately, the truth is that your tooth enamel is the only substance in your body that cannot repair itself. So just because your dental enamel can put up with such pressure doesn’t mean that it is 100% resistant to damage.
Just like you only get one set of arms and legs, you also only get one set of teeth (well, one set of permanent teeth). For this reason, you need to do what you can to protect them. While tooth replacement is always an option, it is a far second to your natural teeth.
The Real Problem With Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can be problematic for many reasons. Not only does it impact the types of foods and beverages you can comfortably consume, but it can also impact how you chew and speak. Unfortunately, sensitive teeth and “soft teeth” (a phrase many people use to describe cavity-prone teeth) can be indicators of enamel erosion. Once your enamel starts to erode, it is impossible to get it back, but you can keep it from getting worse.
When your teeth are exposed to acids, it can cause your enamel to thin, making it more subject to tooth decay. And as the enamel slowly wears away, your teeth become more sensitive to hot, cold, and pressure. This can be exceptionally painful for patients once the hard outer layer of enamel is breached.
5 Causes of Enamel Erosion
If your dental enamel is slowly wearing away and you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, there may be a few things to blame. Check out these 5 things that can destroy your precious tooth enamel.
- Mouth breathing, which can contribute to dry mouth and increase your risk of tooth decay
- Genetic conditions that affect enamel formation
- A diet high in sugar and starches
- Acid reflux resulting from a diet high in acidic or fatty foods
- Dental plaque from leftover food particles
Thankfully, there are some strategies to help reduce the progression of tooth enamel erosion and prevent tooth pain.
How To Stop the Progression of Tooth Enamel Erosion
Though some tooth enamel erosion happens naturally from daily wear and tear, there are ways to stop it from getting out of control. Here’s what you need to do to prevent a toothache and keep that tooth sensitivity from impacting your life.
- Try to address the root issue. For example, if you eat a diet high in sugar and starches, consider swapping these for lean protein and tooth-friendly crunchy vegetables.
- Visit your dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning and oral evaluation. Only your dental hygienist can remove hardened plaque deposits.
- Ask your family dentist in Wasilla to provide a refresher on proper brushing and flossing techniques so that you can remove as much plaque as possible at home.
- Talk to your dentist about fluoride treatment, especially if you catch the erosion in its earliest phases.
- Don’t delay any needed restorative treatment. The sooner an issue is fixed, the better that tooth’s long-term prognosis.
These small steps go a long way in protecting your teeth and preventing tooth sensitivity from getting worse.
Do you have tooth sensitivity? Let Valley Dental Clinic know ASAP.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, especially if you haven’t before, you must let your dentist know so they can take a look and help you find out why. Whatever the cause of your tooth sensitivity, now is the time to request an appointment with Valley Dental Clinic. We’ll take a look at your mouth, perform a preventive cleaning and evaluation, and discuss potential treatment options to slow the progression of enamel erosion. By working together, we can help your mouth feel better and protect your smile.