If your teeth are becoming more and more sensitive to cold or sweets, you may have serious enamel loss. Your teeth may be yellowing and full of cracks or dents. Also, if you notice a visible "rounding" of your teeth's edges, it could be a sign of significant erosion. Maintaining your tooth enamel is vital to your oral health. Once it is gone, you cannot get it back. Fortunately, you can protect your tooth enamel and strengthen it in places where it is weak. Taking these steps are simple and do not add much to your daily routine. If the enamel loss is severe, you can seek help from your dentist.
Prevention and Protection Methods
Poor eating and drinking practices are hard on your enamel. Drinks with a high acid content can eat away at your tooth enamel, so try to limit your consumption of soft drinks and citrus-based beverages. When you do indulge in them, use a straw. Most of the fluid misses your teeth when you do. Also, avoid snacking unless you can rinse your mouth and/or brush your teeth soon after you eat. Also, chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol helps to clean your teeth and promote saliva, which aids in preventing tooth decay and enamel erosion. If you are still concerned about enamel loss, ask your dentist about having a sealant applied to your teeth during your checkups.
Treatment Options
You cannot replace enamel, but you can restore its strength. Dentists often recommend over-the-counter fluoride care products and, on occasion, prescribe stronger versions for you than can be purchased OTC. You can also add items to your diet that may help you "remineralize" your teeth. For instance, try consuming a half cup of coconut oil each day. Vitamin D supplements are also recommended for this purpose.
If the damage becomes severe enough, your dentist may need to intervene by using methods such as tooth bonding. A natural-colored resin will be used to fill in the damage on the affected teeth. Your dental professional may place a crown over the damaged tooth to stop it from deteriorating further. These measures are only necessary in more severe cases of enamel erosion.
Protecting your tooth enamel is actually pretty simple, but many people simply don't take the time to practice these steps. If you simply cannot change your eating and drinking habits, try to rinse out your mouth with water several times a day and use sugarless gum between meals. Carry around a toothbrush and toothpaste with you. If you notice a problem with your enamel, schedule an appointment with your dentist. To learn more about dentistry, check it out.
