How to Restore Thinning Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the layer of tissue that covers the crown, or visible part of the tooth to keep it protected.  This tissue is the hardest substance found in the human body but it is also vulnerable to thinning and decay which could expose inner layers of the tooth.

As tooth enamel erodes, the risk for cavities increases and the exposed inner layers contribute to tooth sensitivity which can cause significant discomfort.

The best way to avoid tooth enamel erosion is with proper dieting and dental hygiene habits, yet there are some ways to help restore thin tooth enamel back to a healthy state.

For questions about dental health or cosmetic dentistry in Plano TX, please contact us online or call (972) 964-3774

Diet

It is important for your overall dental health to prevent erosion of the tooth enamel by following proper eating and dental hygiene habits.  Eating foods with high amounts of sugar such as soft drinks, candy, and fruit juices contributes to enamel decay by raising the acidity level of the mouth.

Related: What soda does to your teeth

Sucrose from the sugar coats the surface of the teeth and forms lactic acid when it interacts with natural oral bacteria.  This lactic acid is what causes tooth enamel to erode and leave the inner layers of the tooth vulnerable to cavities.  Sugary substances should be ingested in moderation to decrease the risk of tooth enamel erosion.

Dental Hygiene

Maintaining good dental health habits can also help prevent the erosion of tooth enamel.  It is important to analyze your specific dental care habits because some habits can actually increase the risk of tooth enamel erosion.

One thing to consider is the amount of time spent brushing as brushing for more than 2 or 3 minutes can actually start to damage the enamel.  The type of toothbrush used should be considered as well because using a hard-bristled toothbrush can also cause damage to tooth enamel.

By brushing in less than two minutes and using softer bristled toothbrushes, you can prevent damage to the tooth enamel from improper hygiene habits.

Related: Tips For Good Oral Hygiene

Restore Enamel

If your tooth enamel is thinning despite taking these preventative actions, follow these three tips to help restore your tooth enamel.

1. The first step is to make sure you have the proper dental kit which includes a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluorine which helps with tooth enamel development.  A dentist can also prescribe medications that will help restore enamel.
2. Eating foods with high concentrations of calcium and phosphorus such as milk, pumpkin seed, fish, broccoli, and kale will encourage tooth growth and help restore enamel.
3. Drinking water instead of sodas or sugary drinks can help strengthen enamel by increasing saliva production.  Saliva helps eliminate unwanted bacteria and provide minerals that will help thicken tooth enamel.

While following these tips and practices can help restore tooth enamel to healthy levels, do not hesitate to contact us or your preferred dentist if you believe your tooth enamel erosion is too severe for these measures.