One of the best things that you can do for your smile is to take care of your dental enamel, so that it stays as strong and healthy as possible for years to come. Dental enamel is the outermost layer of your tooth, and it is really designed to keep the inner layer of your tooth—which are more porous and delicate—protected from daily threats.
Unfortunately, dental enamel is not indestructible. Our Saint Louis dentists see many patients who are dealing with oral health problems because their enamel became thinner and thus susceptible to damage.
One thing that can lead to dental enamel thinning is chronic bruxism. This condition causes the patient to clench or grind his teeth throughout the day and/or night. The tooth-on-tooth pressure caused by bruxism can cause your enamel to thin prematurely, and lead to small cracks or chips in your teeth. If you think that you are suffering from bruxism, is it vital that you reach out to your dental team about ways to protect your smile.
Another common cause of enamel deterioration is acidic substances. Juices, coffee, tea, wine, and citrus fruits can all cause enamel erosion. Try not to expose your smile to acidic substances continually throughout the day—rather, enjoy these things in moderation, and in specific time periods during the day. Also, you can rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic things—make sure that you do not brush your teeth for at least twenty to thirty minutes after exposing your teeth to acidic foods/drinks, as your enamel is softer and more susceptible to wearing down.
With some foresight and pre-planning, you can make great strides in protecting your smile from dental damage related to thinning dental enamel. Our Saint Louis dental team is here to help you in any way possible, so please feel free to reach out to us by phone or through our Contact Us page!