Easy Dental Life Hacks To Prevent Your Own Tooth Loss

There's no denying that porcelain veneers can fix many cosmetic dental concerns and give you the perfect smile you've always wanted. However, porcelain veneers can do more than just give you a beautiful smile, they can protect your teeth if you have thinning or weak enamel. If the enamel on your front teeth is thin, cracked, or weak, you may want to consider veneers.

There Are Many Causes of Enamel Erosion

Even if you think you take impeccable care of your teeth, you may still have enamel erosion because there are many causes of it. While exposure to plaque can lead to enamel-eroding acid, there are other factors to consider. Some common causes of enamel erosion include drinking/eating acidic foods and beverages, such as soda, dry mouth-causing medications (aspirin, vitamin C, etc.), genetics, wear and tear, and brushing too hard. If you take good care of your teeth but find that they are sensitive or discolored, you may have weakened enamel.

Weak Enamel Increases the Risk of Cavities

One of the biggest problems with not having enough enamel is that your risk of cavities increases. Tooth enamel is believed to be the hardest mineral substance in your body, which is good because it protects your teeth against decay. Decay occurs once acid has broken through the tooth's enamel and reached dentin. Having thin, weak, or cracked enamel makes it easier for the decay to reach the dentin. The decay may even become bad enough to lead to an infection, which must be treated with root canal therapy.

Thin Enamel Leads to Cracks and Chips

Another problem associated with thinning enamel is cracks or chips in the teeth. This is because as your teeth become weaker from lack of protective barrier, they are more likely to break. If your weakening enamel is caused by wear and stress, you may notice a lot of cracks along the bottom edge of your teeth. When these cracks occur, not only does it affect the appearance of your smile, but it makes it easier for decay and infection to occur.

Your Teeth May Become Painfully Sensitive

At first, you may notice that sweet foods or foods that are too hot or cold cause a bit of pain when they come in contact with your teeth. This is a warning sign that your enamel is weakening. If left untreated, this sensitivity can become so bad that a small breeze against your teeth on a cold day can cause an intense jolt of pain. You may even start to avoid painful foods and beverages.

Veneers Are Like a Fresh Coat of Enamel  

When you get porcelain veneers, it's like giving your teeth back their original enamel. Although the veneers are wafer thin, they can still protect the underlying structure of your teeth to help stop cavities, chips, and sensitivity. Of course, you still need to follow good oral hygiene habits to keep your teeth healthy.

If your enamel is weak, porcelain veneers can do a lot to protect your teeth. If you're ready to improve the look and health of your smile, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today, such as one from Belgrade Dental Associates.