Did you know that your tooth enamel—which is the protective, outer layer of your teeth—is generally considered the hardest substance in your body? This is especially fortunate because your enamel is vital to your dental health. Unfortunately, while your enamel is hard, it can break down, leaving you more vulnerable to cavities.
Sadly, your enamel can break down for a number of reasons—and sometimes there won’t be anything you can do to avoid it. For instance, illnesses like acid reflux disease, dry mouth, and vomiting can all lead to enamel erosion. Similarly, some medications can wear down enamel because they are highly acidic.
Please note that your mouth will be exposed to acid every time you eat. Fortunately, there are still a few things you can do to keep your teeth healthy and strong. For instance, we recommend rinsing your mouth out with water if you ever eat a highly acidic meal. Similarly, to protect your teeth, we recommend chewing on crisp fruits and vegetables. You could also consider using chewing gum. You see, the chewing motion promotes saliva flow. Furthermore, saliva neutralizes acid.
You may also consider using fluoride toothpaste every time you brush. This toothpaste will strengthen your enamel and help protect your teeth from decay and cavities. However, if you have tooth decay or cavities, our team may prescribe a toothpaste with more fluoride in it.
If you think your teeth could be suffering from enamel erosion, we recommend contacting our experienced team at 928-778-7410. Dr. Kimberly Fee and our team will gladly address your oral health and give you personalized recommendations. We look forward to hearing from you soon!