Tooth Wear and Weakening of Enamel

Teeth are the strongest body part you have, even stronger than your bones. And, if they are properly cared for, your teeth can last a lifetime. However, even if you take perfect care of your teeth, they will eventually begin to show signs of wear a tear, especially on the enamel. This means that as you age, you may need to incorporate a few additional dental hygiene steps and precautions.

Causes of Tooth Wear and Weakening of Enamel

There are certain things that can speed up the process of tooth wear and weakening. If you can avoid these problems, you can help keep your teeth healthy for longer:

• Chewing non-food items – Nervous habits such as chewing on hard, non-food materials can be quite damaging to your teeth and the enamel. These objects can include pens, fingernails, or even using our teeth to open bottle caps and packaging.
• Bruxism – Bruxism is what it’s called when you habitually clench or grind your teeth, often in your sleep. Bruxism is often caused by stress, but can also be caused by some sleep disorders. If you believe you suffer from bruxism, we suggest investing in a night guard, which will prevent your teeth from grinding against each other in the night.
• Highly acidic diet – If you consume a regularly acidic diet, you may be damaging your tooth enamel. Over time the acid will eat away at the enamel, weakening the teeth and making them vulnerable to dental cavities and tooth decay. We suggest eating acidic foods and sodas sparingly.

If you have concerns about the strength of your teeth or if you have any other dental needs, please don’t hesitate to contact Auburn Family Dental here in Wichita, KS. It’s important to us that you know how to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime!