;

SHARE YOUR SMILE

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Preventing Enamel Erosion | Dentist Norton Shores

Dentist in Norton Shores, MI

Dentist 49444

Do you have white spots on your teeth? Are your teeth quite sensitive? Do your teeth have cracks, chips, or indentations? If yes, then you may be experiencing enamel erosion and should schedule an appointment with our Norton Shores dentist.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is the clear coating that protects your teeth. However, being the strongest substance in the body does not mean it should be neglected. Enamel can erode. Without the protection of enamel, you not only risk developing tooth decay, but also abscesses, tooth pain, and even tooth loss.

What Causes Tooth Enamel Erosion?
There are several factors that cause tooth enamel to erode, some of which are the result of everyday actions. Sugars and acids can wear down enamel. If you regularly drink soft drinks or sugary fruit drinks, you may be damaging your teeth. To protect your teeth, limit your consumption of such drinks. Alcohol can also erode enamel, as well as a diet that is high in sugary or starchy foods. The bacteria in the mouth can transform starches and sugars in foods such as bread into damaging acid.

Other factors include acid reflux, recurrent vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, genetically inherited conditions, grinding your teeth, even brushing too hard or not flossing properly. All of these impact the health of your enamel, and, ultimately, your teeth. Once the enamel is worn or chipped away, it cannot be replaced.

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats, replace white breads with whole grains, and try eating more cheese and yogurt to bolster the calcium in your saliva to keep the acids in check.

How Can Enamel Erosion Be Prevented?
In addition to exercising moderation with soft drinks, alcohol, sugars and starches, and, of course, taking extra care with regard to medical conditions and your tooth care regimen, there are a few extra things you can do to protect your smile. Saliva can neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum, you can boost saliva production. 

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats and replace white breads with whole grains. Add more cheese and yogurt to your diet. Not only are both foods high in calcium, but they also help neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. 

Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Enamel erosion may also be the consequence of other complications such as excessive teeth grinding or acid reflux. Regular visits to our office allow our team to provide a full dental examination. If we detect that your enamel is eroding, we will discuss potential causes and solutions. 

To schedule your next visit to our Norton Shores, MI dental office, please contact our team today.

The Smile Center
Phone: 231-733-4409
3500 Park Street
Norton Shores, MI 49444

Visit our Norton Shores Office

Dentist in Norton Shores, MI

3500 Park St
Norton Shores, Michigan 49444

(231) 733-4409

Office Hours:
Monday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Wednesday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 2:00PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Contact Us

Dentist in Norton Shores, MI

Aberdeen Dental News

Dentist in Aberdeen

Stained Teeth | Dentist Norton Shores, MI

September 15, 2023

Many people want a smile they can be proud of and one way to achieve a dazzling smile is to have pea...

More >>
Don’t Rush to Brush | Dentist Norton Shores

September 1, 2023

Are you a diligent brusher who grabs the toothbrush as soon as you finish each snack or meal? While ...

More >>
Are You Using the Right Mouthwash? | Norton Shores MI Dentist

August 15, 2023

While it should never be used as a replacement for brushing and flossing, mouthwash can be a helpful...

More >>