Causes of Dental Erosion

When the enamel on your teeth begins to break down, this is known as dental erosion. Your tooth enamel, or the thin outer covering of the tooth, is a hard shell meant to protect the tooth from daily activity, such as chewing, grinding, and biting.

However, common daily habits can cause the tooth enamel to erode. When the damage is done, it cannot be repaired. To ensure your teeth stay healthy and protected, you want to avoid as many dental eroding behaviors as possible.

To help you develop better habits to maintain the health and look of your teeth, let’s take a look at a few causes of dental erosion.

1. High-Sugar Diets

It’s no surprise that sugar is bad for your teeth. Not only can a high-sugar diet lead to more bacteria in your mouth, it can also cause the enamel on your teeth to erode. To avoid causing damage to your teeth, you want to limit your sugar intake and be sure to brush after consuming sugary foods or drinks.

2. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a relatively common symptom of some medications. Not only can dry mouth be uncomfortable, but it can also contribute to dental erosion. Your saliva is meant to keep your mouth moist while also maintaining its pH. If you suffer from dry mouth, be sure to talk to your dentist about treatments.

3. High Acid Levels

There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing high levels of acid in your mouth. From acid reflux to excessive soft drink consumption, having an acidic mouth can cause the enamel on your teeth to start to decay. Avoiding acidic drinks and controlling acid reflux can help reduce the amount of acid in your mouth.

4. Environmental Factors

Grinding, biting, and friction can also cause your tooth enamel to erode. It’s always important to treat any bruxism and to stop biting hard objects, such as fingernails or pencils. Avoiding chewing tobacco and brushing with the right toothbrush is also important.

Regular visits to Dr. Anderson are also important for maintaining your enamel and a healthy smile. If you’re due for an appointment, contact our Kansas City dental office today!