Tooth enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, protects them from damage and cavities. It’s incredibly strong and durable — even harder than your bones. But despite its strength, tooth enamel can still wear down over time.
In fact, the average prevalence of permanent tooth erosion in adults is 20%-45%. It’s important to do what you can to protect it because once tooth enamel is gone, it doesn't regrow.
Turn to Kenn Kakosian, DDS, PhD, and the general dentistry specialists at DentAlign NYC in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York, to schedule your next dental visit and tooth evaluation.
Your enamel protects the innermost layers of your teeth, including the dentin and tooth pulp. It safeguards your teeth from infection. If you don’t take care of your teeth, your enamel is susceptible to:
Enamel is semi-translucent and made up of mainly phosphorus and calcium, along with smaller amounts of protein and water.
Common causes of tooth enamel loss include:
Some people are more prone to tooth enamel erosion than others based on their genetics and family histories.
There are several things you can do to protect your teeth and reduce the risk of tooth enamel damage. Here are our top 10 suggestions:
While tooth enamel doesn’t grow back, fluoride treatments can restore enamel damage by strengthening and remineralizing the outer layers of your teeth. Your provider applies topical fluoride to your teeth for enamel restoration and protection from further damage.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily, especially after meals. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste to protect them from plaque and tartar buildup, decay, and enamel erosion.
Floss every day, ideally before you go to bed at night, to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and debris from in between your teeth in hard-to-reach areas.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps you stay hydrated and also helps rinse away bacteria and plaque. Additionally, it lessens the risk of tooth enamel loss caused by dry mouth.
DentAlign NYC offers dental sealants, which are protective coatings for your molars that help reduce the risk of cavities and tooth enamel loss on chewing surfaces.
Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages whenever possible. If you do drink sodas or juices, use a straw to minimize contact with your tooth enamel.
Do you grind your teeth at night? If so, ask Dr. Kakosian about getting fitted for a custom night guard to wear while you sleep to protect your teeth from enamel-reducing wear and tear.
Seek treatment for GERD, bulimia nervosa, or other underlying medical conditions that cause stomach acids to erode tooth enamel.
Chewing sugarless gum keeps saliva production flowing, which helps protect against tooth decay and enamel loss.
Teeth whitening doesn’t damage tooth enamel when used properly, but some over-the-counter products might dehydrate your teeth, increasing the risk of problems. DentAlign NYC offers in-office and professional-strength home teeth whitening solutions that are safe for your teeth.
Schedule appointments with the DentAlign NYC team at least every six months for dental cleanings and exams so Dr. Kakosian can evaluate your teeth, detect early signs of tooth enamel wear, and suggest any treatments needed to prevent progression of tooth enamel erosion.
Book your next dental appointment at DentAlign NYC by contacting our team by phone or using the online booking tab today.
