Enamel Erosion: What to Do

Tooth sensitivity may not seem like a big deal, until you have dental issues because of it. The shooting pain that comes when you bite into an ice cream cone or take a sip of hot coffee is the result of sensitive teeth which are not properly protected by strong tooth enamel. If you have severe tooth sensitivity, even an icy cold wind can leave you cringing. What causes tooth sensitivity and cavities? Enamel erosion might be to blame.

Understanding Enamel Erosion

To understand what enamel erosion is, you first need to understand what tooth enamel is. Enamel is the hard, white coating that covers your teeth. This coating is your teeth’s natural defense system, and nature knew what it was doing when it designed the human body because tooth enamel is the second hardest naturally occurring substance in the universe, second only to diamonds! This means that it can protect your teeth from the extreme pressures, temperatures, and elements your teeth come in contact with on a daily basis.

Dangers to Enamel

Still, however, your enamel isn’t indestructible. While it’s unlikely that your dental enamel can chip off, it’s very likely that it can wear away, and this can happen for several reasons. In most cases of enamel erosion, acid is to blame. Every time we eat or drink, acids form in our mouths and, if not removed by proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing, can begin to eat away at our tooth enamel. Enamel erosion is often present in people with acid reflux disease and GERD because of the high levels of acid that come up from the stomach to the mouth. Frequent vomiting and consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar and carbohydrates expose your teeth to even more acidity.

Visit your Reno Dentists

The best way to avoid tooth enamel erosion

For more information about the health of your teeth and gums, call Wager Evans Dental at  (775) 800-4845 to reserve an appointment with Dr. William Wager or Dr. Brian Evans.