Most dentists talk about enamel. However, not all of us know what it is and its roles to our dental health.

Enamel is the thin outer layer of the teeth. This has a tough shell that is considered the hardest tissue of the human body. The tooth enamel covers your tooth’s crown. It is visible to your naked eye and is translucent, not white. To maintain enamel’s translucence, dental care is applied. This method involves daily brushing and flossing. Not to mention skipping coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juices and other bad vices, like excessive smoking.

Enamel plays a vital role to the dental health. Its main job is to protect your teeth from getting cracked or damaged. However, without proper care, your enamel may break. This is why individuals are always advised to practice dental care. Because clearly, once the tooth gets damaged, it cannot be undone.

Without protecting the enamel, you are one step closer to enamel erosion.

Enamel erosion takes place due to acid attacks. Acids are present if you engage in excessive carbonated drink consumption and have bad oral habits. Soft drinks, like cola are rich in citric acids. These compounds allow acids to flourish which may penetrate the enamel and cause erosion. Enamel erosion also stem from pre-existing conditions. Dry mouth is the living proof to that. As an addition, enamel erosion may happen to those who are taking medications, like aspirin.

Studies also show that enamel erosion can be inherited. It can also be acquired due to environmental factors, such as corrosion and stress. Other pre-existing conditions that cause enamel erosion are gastrointestinal problems and acid reflux disease.

Detecting enamel erosion is pretty easy. The signs are:

• Teeth sensitivity
• Discoloration or stains of teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Deep cupping

If you think you have any of these signs and symptoms, it is advised to get a consultation immediately. Always remember that your dentist in San Jose can provide treatments for this condition.

One of the most common treatments is dental bonding. This is the process of protecting the teeth while enhancing its appearance. Dentists may also conduct crowning of your tooth. The crown protects your teeth all way to its root to avoid possibilities of tooth decay or cavities.

Nevertheless, patients must learn that one way to fight erosion is preventing it. Just like other dental illnesses, this condition is preventable. Through skipping acidic drinks and other unhealthy habits, you can prevent this epidemic. Carbonated drink lovers who find it hard to resist these drinks can also use straw to minimize contact with acids. Enamel erosion can also be avoided through water therapy. Frequent consumption of water washes away food debris and other potential risks of erosion. You can also consider sugarless chewing gums to avoid sugar and acid.

Dental experts proved that the most appropriate solution for preventing enamel erosion is dental care. This preventive method involves brushing, flossing of teeth and dental checkups. These simple deeds prevent any types of dental problems, like erosion.

The enamel is translucent. It gives a bright shade to your teeth. To keep them that way, consider the means above to fight enamel erosion.