9 Enamel Erosion Causes - Infographic
Enamel erosion is the bane of dental care, especially for those who experience anxiety with visits to the dentist. Dental anxiety can be crippling, often resulting in individuals avoiding the dentist altogether, which only serves to damage their teeth further. Enamel erosion is a root cause of this fear, as it can create sensitivity, cavities, and pain, even during routine cleanings. While you can’t help your genetics, there are a number of other, avoidable, enamel erosion sources. Perhaps, as you learn to eliminate or reduce these potential factors, the negative news from the dentist and your discomfort while in the chair can be alleviated, or greatly limited.
Your first thought to avoid tooth decay may be to cut sugar entirely from your diet, however, there are quite a few other factors that could possibly be contributing to the erosion, shown here in this infographic. An excess of sugary foods and beverages are certainly to blame in many cases, though even people with a limited-sugar diet can still experience cavities and tooth sensitivity from enamel erosion.
It may seem unlikely for starchy, unsweetened, or even unprocessed foods to cause erosion, but in actuality, it’s highly possible. Even if you avoid sugar, eating a high number of carbohydrates can be just as damaging. Carbs (often found in bread, pasta, and potatoes), convert to sugar within the body and digestion begins directly in the mouth. Additionally, if you suffer from dry mouth, the naturally residing bacteria can overpopulate without the usual saliva to flush it out, most probably causing additional plaque. Beyond diet, certain medications are harsh on tooth enamel, as well as the burning acidity from acid reflux. More simply, a very common source of worn down enamel could be from brushing your teeth too hard or with extremely firm bristles.
If you find yourself suffering from sensitivity or tooth decay, it may be well worth your time to consider these contributing sources. Certain individuals, unfortunately, cannot help it due to their genetics, but quite often there is at least something you can do to reduce or eliminate potential enamel erosion.
Tialla Rising is a freelance writer living in the mountains of Arizona with her wonderful husband and their two fur-babies, a cat and a dog. She has loved reading and writing for as long as she can remember, even self-publishing two novels as a teenager. She loves going on adventures with her husband, though a cozy book, a stormy day, and a coffee also comprise her favorite moments.