We all love a sparkling smile. But having healthy tooth enamel is essential for other reasons as well. Enamel is the hard, thin outer covering of your teeth. Its primary purpose is to provide protection for your teeth from everyday chewing, crunching, biting, and grinding. Enamel is also responsible for insulating your teeth from hot and cold temperatures, whose changes can cause pain and sensitivity in your teeth. The enamel works also to shield your teeth from chemicals that could cause damage.
Unfortunately, many people suffer from a lack of tooth enamel. O’Fallon Dental Works shares the top causes for this condition and a few tips to help you protect your smile.
Enamel Hypoplasia
Enamel hypoplasia is a defect of the tooth structure where the enamel, though hard, is insufficient in amount. This is not a common disorder and often accompanies other conditions.
Hypomineralization
Hypomineralization is also a developmental condition that is characterized by a decrease in the mineral or calcium content of the enamel. If severe it can cause the teeth to appear translucent. It is hypomineralization that causes “soft enamel.” While this is more prevalent than hypoplasia, it is not the most common reason for lack of enamel.
Enamel Erosion
Enamel erosion is the most common reason for lack of enamel. It occurs when the enamel is worn away due to damage from acid, chemicals, or abrasions and injury. Here are the most common causes of enamel erosion.
Abrasion: This is the physical wear and tear your tooth surface that happens because of brushing teeth too hard, using an improper toothbrush, and improper flossing techniques. It can also be caused by biting on hard objects.
Acid: Calcium is the building block of healthy teeth enamel. Unfortunately, when you expose your teeth to acid, it can cause the calcium to leach from the enamel, causing acid erosion. Acid comes from many sources:
- Carbonated soft drinks. All sodas, including “diet” varieties, have a very low pH. This acid can easily dissolve and damage your enamel.
- Wine. Whether you choose white, red, or rosé, due to the high acid content, drinking wine may soften your enamel.
- Fruit and fruit juice. The most acidic fruits are: lemon, orange, cranberry, grapefruit, and apple.
- Sour candy. Sugary sweets are bad for your teeth because sugar promotes the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. But due to the high acid content, be sure to avoid sour gummies and candies.
- Stomach acid. Both vomiting and acid reflux can cause severe enamel erosion because of the low pH of stomach acid.
- Medication. Medications like aspirin and vitamin C are actually acids.
Attrition: Wear that is caused by natural tooth-on-tooth friction. This can happen due to bruxism which is the involuntary grinding of your teeth during sleep. This can also occur if you have a habit of clenching your jaw or gnashing your teeth.
Chemicals: This exposure isn’t common, but certain chemicals like chlorine from swimming pools can cause tooth erosion over time.
Dry Mouth: Because your saliva acts as a natural buffer, raising the pH in the mouth to safe levels, the lack of saliva is a serious problem when it comes to protecting your enamel. It is important to note that dry mouth is a common side-effect of many common medications like antihistamines.
If you or your child is showing any of these signs, contact us immediately for an appointment. Our providers at O’Fallon Dental Works can quickly and thoroughly educate about and treat erosion issues.