Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects the sensitive tissue within it. Over time, it’s natural for your enamel to experience wear and tear. But once your enamel is damaged, can it be reversed? Let’s take a look at some of the causes of enamel damage, and ways to protect your teeth to keep your smile strong and healthy.
Causes of Enamel Damage
There are quite a few reasons why you might experience enamel damage over the course of your life. Here are some examples.
- Not brushing or flossing your teeth consistently
- Poor diet high in sugar or acidic foods and beverages
- Genetics
- Smoking and use of tobacco products
- Dry mouth
- Acid reflux disease
- Environmental reasons (stress, friction, corrosion)
- Taking certain medications
- Alcohol abuse
Treatment for Enamel Damage
Because your enamel doesn’t consist of live tissue, it’s not possible for your enamel to grow back. However, your teeth constantly remineralize. This means that essential minerals can continually bond to your teeth to strengthen them. Plus, enamel damage is a very long process, so it is possible to stop enamel damage from getting worse to protect your oral health.
A common way to treat enamel damage is bonding. Bonding uses a tooth-like material (typically resin) on teeth that are damaged or stained. Depending on the state of your smile, you might also consider dental veneers to improve the appearance of your teeth. Veneers are made of thin sheets of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the teeth.
Avoid Enamel Damage
Of course, the best way to treat enamel damage is to avoid it entirely. First off, brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Next, eat a healthy diet low in sugar, carbohydrates, and acidic foods. Finally, visit Gastonia Family Dentistry twice a year for preventive care to help keep your teeth strong. We also offer fluoride treatments as part of our general services to help ward off decay.
Comprehensive Family Dentistry in Gastonia, NC
Everyone deserves a healthy smile, and we’d be honored to care for yours! If you’re new to Gastonia Family Dental, visit our new patients page to learn more about our services and financing. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
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