Factors That Damage Tooth Enamel
Do you feel that you properly care for your teeth? While tooth enamel — the outside covering of your teeth — is the strongest substance in the body, it is not indestructible. Even if you believe you take excellent care of your teeth, you may have some bad habits that will eventually lead to damaged tooth enamel. Damaged tooth enamel that is not treated in a timely fashion can lead to serious complications to your oral health.
What Damages Tooth Enamel?
Our teeth withstand quite a bit of wear and tear. Unfortunately, there are some bad habits that can cause damage to your tooth enamel:
Grinding and Clenching Teeth
One of the biggest causes of enamel damage is clenching and grinding. Many patients are unaware they have this bad habit as it largely occurs during sleep. It can lead to uneven tooth wear and eventually cause teeth to crack and break. If clenching and grinding is not treated, you may end up needing a dental crown or another type of procedure.
Brushing Teeth Harshly
You may think you have excellent oral health because you take great care in brushing and flossing your teeth. However, if you are improperly brushing your teeth, it can cause damage to your tooth enamel. Brushing using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing using vigorous strokes can damage and wear down your tooth enamel. It can also cause damage to your gums as well.
Highly Acidic Foods
Although not unhealthy, foods such as carbonated water, citrus fruits, berries, and apples are highly acidic. Be sure to enjoy them in moderation, especially if you have issues with your tooth enamel.
If you feel your tooth enamel may be compromised or damaged, be sure to contact our office located in Kaufman, TX. We want to evaluate the state of your teeth as soon as possible to make any repairs. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious treatments such as a root canal or even tooth extraction. We want to avoid that at all costs, so we recommend being diligent with scheduling your appointments.
