Causes of Tooth Enamel Loss

Enamel erosion is a common condition that can cause irreversible damage to the teeth. There are many causes of tooth enamel loss, and by identifying them, you can take steps to avoid these issues.

Acid Erosion

Acid erosion is one of the leading causes of enamel loss. Excessive consumption of acidic foods like soda and fruit juice is very harmful to the teeth. These beverages contain high levels of citric and phosphoric acid, which erodes away at the enamel over time.

Bacteria Destroy’s Teeth Enamel

After you eat a snack or a meal, the bacteria in your mouth will feast on sugars. If you eat starchy or sweet foods, there will be plenty of sugars on which bacteria will gorge themselves. This process creates other acids that will destroy the enamel. As the acids caused by bacteria wear through the enamel, cavities and tooth decay may also result.

Stomach Problems

If you suffer from chronic gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux, you may experience enamel loss. A reflux of acid from the stomach into the mouth will allow these acids to contact the teeth. The tooth enamel will wear away, resulting in erosion of the tooth.

Poor Oral Health Habits

If you have poor oral health habits, you may experience damage to the enamel. This includes failure to brush and floss regularly, which can lead to gradual tooth decay. Chewing on hard items like ice or pens can also lead to enamel damage.

Sadly, once the enamel is lost, it is lost for good. The body does not regenerate enamel, so you need to take care of your existing enamel to avoid future problems. Regular dental evaluations give us the chance to inspect the health of your teeth, including the enamel. Call us today to set up your next appointment, and let us evaluate your mouth for signs of enamel loss.