What Do Rough-Feeling Teeth Mean?

Have you noticed that your teeth don’t have the smooth, shiny texture that they used to? Sometimes, this might just mean that you have plaque or tartar buildup that needs to be removed. Other times, it could be due to enamel erosion. Continue reading to learn more about the causes of enamel erosion and how you can prevent it in the future.

How Does Enamel Erosion Work?

The enamel is the white, outer layer of the teeth. It is the hardest substance in your entire body and its purpose is to protect your teeth from bacteria and other things that can damage your teeth. Over time, enamel and teeth can erode for a number of reasons, most commonly from acid. This can leave you with teeth that don’t feel as smooth as you are used to.

What Causes Enamel Erosion?

Enamel erosion can be caused by many factors. Here are the most common culprits:

• Citrus: Acidic foods can erode the enamel of your teeth. Citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, and oranges, are very acidic, leading to erosion.
• Soda: The acid and high levels of sugar in soda is a terrible combination. This is something you should save for special occasions.
• Acid Reflux: The highly acidic regurgitation from acid reflux can damage your enamel over time. Avoiding trigger foods is the best way to prevent this.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy is linked to higher acidity. At this time, your oral health it at utmost importance.
• Chlorine: Do you swim in chlorinated foods often? Try not to let the pool water touch your teeth, as it can lead to enamel erosion.

How Can You Prevent Enamel Erosion

Once lost, enamel cannot be restored. However, there are steps you can take to strengthen it and prevent acidic things from making contact with your teeth. Here are some steps you may want to implement.

• Drink fluoridated water: The fluoride presence helps to fight tooth decay and strengthen your enamel.
• Chew sugar-free gum: This helps to stimulate saliva production, cleansing your enamel and remineralizing your teeth.
• Use fluoridated toothpaste: Brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste helps to harden your enamel and prevent tooth decay.

Enamel erosion is detrimental to your oral health, so it’s important to take steps every day to protect your smile. With an excellent oral hygiene routine and good lifestyle habits, you can keep your pearly whites strong and healthy!

About the Practice

At Sunrise Dental, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Houston community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you are concerned about enamel erosion, our team would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (713) 869-9973.