Dental enamel is strong and durable, but that doesn’t mean that it is indestructible. The truth is that a variety of things can cause teeth to wear down over time. The more you know about these factors, the better you can protect your smile from premature damage. Keep reading to learn more from our Toluca Lake dentists!
Repeated exposure to certain types of foods and drinks can weaken enamel over time. Think about it: every time you eat or drink, you coat your teeth in that substance for a period of time.
- Acidic foods and drinks actually temporarily soften enamel and leave it vulnerable to damage; it takes about twenty to thirty minutes for enamel to re-mineralize after acid exposure.
- Sugary substances are also potentially harmful, as they serve as fuel for harmful oral bacteria. The same bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease need sugars and refined carbohydrates to thrive.
- Hard candies and ice can also lead to dental damage, if you have a habit of chewing these things. Chomping on hard substances can create micro-cracks and chips in the enamel, and, while these injuries are not visible to the naked eye, they undermine the structure of the tooth as a whole.
Another thing to stay alert for is habitual dental grinding or clenching; this condition is called bruxism. The tooth-on-tooth contact caused by bruxism will wear down teeth over time. In order to protect your teeth, it is crucial that you seek treatment for bruxism. Depending on the underlying cause of your bruxism, your dentist may recommend a number of treatment options, including, potentially, a protective mouth guard to wear at night.
Our Toluca Lake dentists are here to give you the help and support that you need to care for your smile long-term. Give our office a call to schedule a personal consultation with our team!