How To Avoid Tooth Enamel Erosion

Fun fact: tooth enamel is the strongest tissue in your entire body! This mostly clear outer layer guards your teeth from all that wear and tear, preventing you from feeling extremes in temperatures of all the things you eat and drink. It also protects from acids that could destroy teeth.

Strong as it is, it’s not completely impervious to erosion. When that happens, cavities and tooth decay are much more likely to occur. You might start noticing sensitivities when you eat or drink hot or cold substances - or anything sweet - because they can penetrate the holes that have formed in the enamel to antagonize the nerves inside your teeth.

Is your enamel eroding away? Visiting the dentist at regular intervals can help you stay protected and alert you to any enamel issues. Things that can lead to enamel erosion include:

- Excess sweets as the bacteria in your mouth create acids when sugar is present

- Sour candies and foods which also have lots of acid

- Chronic dry mouth

- Acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD

- Vomiting often

- Acidic supplements like aspirin or vitamin C

- Brushing with too much force

- Grinding your teeth

You should speak to your dentist immediately if you frequently encounter pain when you eat or drink things that are hot, cold, or sweet; notice any rough or uneven edges on your teeth; have yellowing teeth; or notice dents in places on your teeth that are impacted during chewing.

Save Your Teeth From Tooth Enamel Erosion

In addition to visiting your dentist ASAP, make sure you do the following to protect your teeth from enamel erosion:

- Reduce your intake on acidic foods and drinks. That means switching from soda, citrus, and juices to water.

- Wash your mouth out with water after having any of these acidic items.

- Try drinking from a straw so these erosion-causing drinks don’t make contact with your teeth.

- Try drinking milk or having cheese at the end of a meal to stop acids.

- Chomp on sugar-free gum to reduce acids in your mouth and make more saliva.

- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

- Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

- Don’t brush immediately after acidic drinks or foods as you can inadvertently cause damage to your enamel with your toothbrush. Instead, rinse with water!

Working with your dentist and observing these healthy habits will help reduce your chances for eroding away your protective tooth enamel. It’s not too late to start today by using proper oral hygiene and products that benefit your best oral health!

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list.

Written By:

Jennifer Raskin is a freelance writer, wife and mom that loves cold weather despite her location in Florida, cooking, reading, watching ‘80s movies, weight-lifting, and wine tasting.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

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