Teeth Are Strong But Not Indestructible

When you think of the strongest substance in your body you might guess one of your bones, perhaps the tibia. The actual strongest substance in the body is your tooth enamel, which is the outer covering of your teeth. Your tooth enamel is even stronger than your bones and is designed to protect the inside of your tooth. Although your tooth enamel is strong and can withstand you chewing multiple times each day, it is not indestructible and can become damaged. Read on to learn more about what can damage your enamel.

What Damages Tooth Enamel?

Although tooth enamel is strong, it can easily become damaged if not cared for properly. Our teeth are frequently experiencing wear and tear and poor choices can lead to severe damage. Here are some things that can damage your tooth enamel:

Cleaning Your Teeth Incorrectly
If you are brushing too vigorously you can be causing damage to your enamel. Also, if you are not brushing in a thorough manner you can be leaving behind bacteria that will lead to decay.

Acidic Foods
Certain foods and beverages, such as carbonated drinks, berries, and apples are highly acidic. Although some of these foods are healthy for your body, they can eat away at the tooth enamel, causing tooth sensitivity and other issues.

Grinding and Clenching Your Teeth
Many patients are unaware they are clenching and grinding their teeth as they typically do this while they sleep. Repetitive clenching and grinding can lead to enamel issues such as uneven wear, tooth sensitivity, and even cracked and broken teeth.

If you think your tooth enamel may be compromised or damaged, be sure to contact our office located in Bowie, MD. We want to evaluate the state of your teeth as soon as possible to make any repairs. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious treatments such as a root canal or even tooth extraction. We want to avoid that at all costs, so we recommend being diligent with scheduling an appointment.