Did you know that your tooth enamel—which is the protective, outer layer of your teeth—is generally considered the hardest substance in your body? This is especially fortunate because your enamel is vital to your dental health. Unfortunately, while your enamel is hard, it can break down, leaving you more vulnerable to cavities.

Sadly, your enamel can break down for a number of reasons—and sometimes there won’t be anything you can do to avoid it. For instance, illnesses like acid reflux disease, dry mouth, and vomiting can all lead to enamel erosion. Similarly, some medications can wear down enamel because they are highly acidic.

Acids from your diet can also cause enamel erosion. Please don’t misunderstand, even a healthy, nutritious diet will have acid in it. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect your enamel. For instance, saliva can help neutralize acid. To promote saliva flow, you can chew gum or crisp fruits and vegetables. Similarly, if you have a highly acidic meal, you should consider swishing your mouth with water afterwards.

You may also consider using fluoride toothpaste every time you brush. This toothpaste will strengthen your enamel and help protect your teeth from decay and cavities. However, if you have tooth decay or cavities, our team could prescribe a toothpaste with more fluoride in it.

If you have questions about what you can do to fight against enamel erosion, or are worried that your enamel is already too worn down, please schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. James Gunelson at Stanley Hometown Dentistry LLC by calling 715-644-3601 today. We’ll gladly assess the health of your mouth and give you personalized advice to help you maintain your healthy, confident smile!