Common Causes of Tooth Enamel Damage

Tooth enamel is a little bit like a protective shield for your teeth. In fact, tooth enamel is one of the strongest materials in the world and the strongest in your body. Basically, your teeth are like exposed bone that are made out of mainly calcium minerals and other organic compounds. In humans, teeth are designed to chew both meat and plant matter. However, our enamel is no match for some food and other causes of tooth enamel damage. Things like cavities and even teeth grinding at night can cause significant damage to the enamel on your teeth. Broken or chipped enamel can lead to cavities and unsightly stains. Here are some common causes of tooth enamel damage.

One of the biggest causes of tooth enamel damage is tooth decay. Tooth decay, or what is commonly known as a cavity, can cause serious damage to the enamel of your teeth. A cavity is caused when bacteria that feeds on the plaque and tartar on your teeth releases acids that eat into the enamel of your teeth. Not only can cavities cause enamel damage, it can also cause pain and unsightly stains. Once a cavity reaches the nerve, you most likely need a tooth extraction or root canal.

Another big cause of tooth enamel damage is teeth grinding. Teeth grinding, or bruxism as it is known by dentists, effects millions of people. Basically, you grind your teeth when you are asleep at night without being aware of it. Some people have no idea that they grind their teeth. However, if you feel soreness in your jaw or teeth in the morning, there is a good chance that you have bruxism. Teeth grinding can cause your enamel to wear down to the point where your teeth can become sensitive to hot and cold. Also, it can increase the risk for cavities and other dental issues.

Next, you may also damage your enamel by biting onto something that is hard or sharp. Sometimes people bite down hard on a piece of food – not realizing that the food has a seed or some other ingredient that is hard and impermeable. With this kind of force, it can be very easy to damage the enamel on your teeth, especially on the teeth that are the most thin or sensitive. For instance, your canine teeth can be especially sensitive to this kind of damage, because part of the enamel is thinner than on any other tooth.

Lastly, there are a number of things that could potentially damage your enamel, so it is important to have a good dentist on standby. For instance, Lillian Miller Dental is a clinic located in Texas that can give you an excellent dental checkup and cleaning every six months. Having a dental check up and cleaning is critical to reducing further enamel damage and to prevent any further dental issues. Also, having your teeth inspected on a regular basis can also prevent tooth decay. Also, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss as well. When it comes down to it, preventative measures will keep your smile beautiful and your teeth healthy.