You’re meeting a friend you haven’t seen in a while for coffee, and you couldn’t be more excited. You’re having a great time catching up. Once the hot beverage passes your lips, though, a raging pain shoots through your mouth. Your teeth feel like they’re on fire. Why are your teeth so sensitive? According to your dentist, you might be suffering from tooth enamel erosion. But what is tooth enamel? And how can you keep erosion from happening? Read on to find out.
What Is Tooth Enamel?
Enamel is the hard, outer layer of your teeth that gives them their structure as well as their white color. It’s the hardest substance in the human body. It also contains no living cells. Because of this, it cannot be regenerated. That means once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. This is detrimental because enamel protects the layer underneath, called dentin, which contains microscopic tubules that lead to the nerves and blood vessels within the tooth. Once your enamel has worn away and exposed the dentin, your teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold stimuli.
How to Protect Your Enamel
To keep your enamel in good condition and prevent enamel erosion, follow these steps:
1. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens your remaining enamel, making them stronger in the fight against tooth decay.
2. Limit Acidic or Sugary Foods and Beverages
Foods and drinks that are high in sugar and acid can eat away at your enamel. If you’re going to consume these items, rinse your mouth out with water afterwards. Wait at least half an hour to brush your teeth, though, to give your saliva a chance to neutralize the acids and strengthen your enamel.
3. Cut Back on Snacking
When it comes to developing cavities, the amount of sugar you eat doesn’t matter as much as how long that sugar is allowed to remain on your teeth. That’s why you should eat as few times throughout the day as possible.
4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal produces enough saliva to help rinse your mouth out of leftover food particles and re-mineralize your enamel, making it stronger.
5. Visit Your Dentist
If you have worn-down enamel, your dentist might suggest getting dental sealants. This involves your dentist painting a plastic-like coating onto your teeth, particularly your molars, to give your enamel an extra boost of protection against cavities that could erode it. Ask your dentist if sealants are right for you.
Final Word
Your enamel is the only thing protecting the sensitive layers of your teeth from the daily wear and tear of chewing. That’s why it’s imperative that you try to protect it as much as you can. Follow the steps listed above, and you should be good to go!
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Nawrocki received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2008 from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He returned there from 2009 to 2012, earning a Specialist Certificate in Prosthodontics as well as a master’s degree in Dental Science. He believes in protecting what precious enamel you have left. One way to do that is by contacting him to schedule an appointment to learn more.