5 Things You Need To Know About Tooth Enamel Loss

26 July 2019
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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If you're like most people, you don't give much thought to subjects such as tooth enamel loss until and unless they begin to affect your teeth in noticeable ways—and by this time, you may have experienced significant loss. Signs of tooth enamel loss include increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, shiny patches on individual teeth, and rough edges. Other symptoms of tooth enamel loss include significant yellowing, a translucent appearance, and teeth that are brittle to the extent that they chip and break easily. Because tooth enamel is not comprised of living tissues, it has no way of replenishing itself once it has become depleted. 

Fortunately, most tooth enamel loss can be circumvented with a combination of strategies designed to protect the existing enamel. Following are five ways that you can protect yourself from tooth enamel loss. 

Minimize Sugary Beverages 

Sugary beverages are among the biggest culprits when it comes to causes of tooth enamel loss. Sodas, juices, cocktails, beer, and wine all have the potential to damage the enamel on your teeth. Minimizing your consumption of these beverages will help prevent your enamel from eroding as well as keep you healthy in other ways. 

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Many dental issues can be easily prevented by simply practicing good oral hygiene. For instance, always make sure to take the time to brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss them at least once per day. Using an antibacterial mouthwash as least once per day is also recommended, particularly if your dentist tells you that you're at risk for developing tooth enamel loss.

Drink Out of a Straw 

Drinking out of a straw is recommended as a way to minimize exposure of sugar and starches to tooth surfaces. After all, you can't be expected to give up beverages altogether. As an added bonus, drinking from a straw will help prevent unsightly stains from developing on your teeth. 

Avoid Hard Candy

Hard candy is another major player when it comes to tooth enamel loss. Most people tend to suck on hard candy, which results in the development of a sticky, sugary substance on the teeth that proceeds to eat away at the enamel. 

Schedule Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings

Regular dental exams allow your dentist to detect early signs of tooth enamel loss, which lets you take proactive measures to minimize its progression. Regular dental cleanings also remove harmful plaque buildup which can lead to tooth decay as well as tooth enamel loss.