Photo by Pixabay from Pexels Do you experience pain or sensitivity when you consume hot or cold food? Are your teeth discolored, translucent, or stained? If this is the case, your tooth enamel may be eroding, a condition that can negatively affect your dental health.

What is tooth enamel?

Tooth enamel is a dense mineral that covers each tooth's crown. It is one of the strongest tissues in the body; even harder than bone.

Enamel protects the sensitive dentin and pulp areas within a tooth. When your enamel is damaged, it is common to experience pain or sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. Dentin and pulp are also susceptible to bacteria, which can cause cavities, tooth decay, and other uncomfortable dental issues.

Foods and drinks you consume cause enamel erosion primarily because of the acids they contain.

The following foods can erode tooth enamel:

1. Natural acidic foods like apples and berries

2. Fruits containing citric acid

3. Sugary foods, such as ice cream and caramel

4. Starches such as white bread and potatoes

5. Drinks that contain acid, such as juices and soft drinks

The acid in your mouth is neutralized by saliva, a naturally occurring agent. However, consuming too many acidic foods will interfere with saliva's ability to maintain good oral health.

Common reasons for tooth erosion

1. A lack of dental hygiene

There are about 700 species of bacteria living in the oral cavity. In most cases, these microorganisms are harmless or benign, but others play a role in digestion. In some cases, they can even protect the gums and teeth from disease.

There are, however, many other factors that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Food and drink leave carbohydrates behind for these bacteria to feed on. During the digestion of carbs, these bacteria produce acids on the teeth.

When these acids mix with saliva and other bacteria in your mouth, they form plaque. The plaque on teeth contains millions of bacteria that attack the enamel. These repetitive attacks eventually cause the enamel to weaken. To avoid this, brushing and flossing twice a day is necessary.

2. Using Wrong Mouthwash

In germicidal mouthwashes, chlorhexidine gluconate is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. Even though it is effective in fighting bacteria, it also increases tartar formation. Dental plaque hardens into tartar, so you should never let it build up on your teeth.

Germicidal mouthwash can still be gargled with, but only for a short period. 30 minutes after gargling, you should refrain from drinking, eating, or rinsing.

3. Drinking soda

There are 42.11 grams of carbon in 100 grams of sucrose or table sugar. The sugar content of a 325 ml can, or bottle of Coca-Cola is 39 grams.

The carbon and sugar in soda interact with the bacteria in your mouth every time you drink it. The acids then attack the teeth even more and the enamel breaks down over time as a result of these attacks.

4. Consuming too much citric acid

The citric acid in orange and apple juice can wear down the enamel, despite their health benefits. These juices contain citric acid, which can be five times more corrosive than some sodas. Additionally, these acids can cause white marks to appear on your teeth.

It is not necessary to completely eliminate them from your diet, but if you consume them, rinse well afterward with plain water to let the acids wash away.

Signs of enamel erosion

Depending on the stage of enamel erosion, the signs can vary. Here are a few examples:

Sensitivity - During the early stages of enamel erosion, certain foods, such as sweets and hot or cold foods, may cause a twinge of discomfort.

Discoloration - Dentin is exposed as the enamel erodes, causing yellowing of the teeth.

Cracks and chips - Enamel erosion results in rough, irregular, and jagged edges on teeth.

Cupping - You can see indentations on the surface of your teeth when you bite and chew.

A tooth with eroded enamel is more likely to develop cavities or decay. During a cavity's growth and penetration, nerve fibers can be damaged, resulting in an extremely painful abscess or infection.

What can you do to prevent enamel loss?

Keeping teeth healthy requires brushing, flossing, and rinsing with fluoride and antiseptic mouthwash daily. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are recommended. Here are some ways to prevent enamel loss:

1. Avoid citrus fruits, juices, carbonated sodas, and other highly acidic foods and drinks. For more effortless enamel protection, eat acidic items at mealtimes. Alternatively, you can switch to low-acid orange juice.

2. When drinking acidic drinks, use a straw. Drinking through a straw, the liquid spills to the back of your mouth, avoiding your teeth.

3. Drinking milk or eating cheese can be an excellent way to end a meal. Acids will be neutralized by this.

4. If you have a dry mouth or low saliva volume, drink more water throughout the day.

5. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Your toothpaste should contain fluoride as an ingredient since fluoride strengthens teeth.

6. Avoid brushing too hard. Use a soft toothbrush.

7. You may be able to prevent enamel erosion and tooth decay by getting sealants from your dentist.