Can You Build Back Tooth Enamel?

 

Tooth enamel is the hard outer coating that protects your teeth. It keeps your teeth safe while you chew, bite, crunch, and grind. While it’s an effective defense against damage, enamel can chip and crack.

 

While enamel damage can be prevented, enamel can’t be rebuilt. Weak enamel can, however, be strengthened, with guidance from a dentist.

 

 

What Breaks Down Tooth Enamel?

The breakdown of enamel is most often called “enamel erosion.” A range of habits can cause erosion, including:

  • Drinking soft drinks and fruit juice. Soft drinks and fruit juices contain acids that eat away at tooth enamel and can weaken the teeth.
  • Eating a diet that is high in sugar and starch. Sugars and starches can damage the teeth. If you’re going to indulge, brush immediately after.
  • Chewing Aspirin. The trusted tooth care company Colgate reports that chewing Aspirin can lead to enamel erosion. For adults and children who are old enough to swallow medications, we recommend avoiding the chewable form.

 

 

How Can I Tell If My Child Has Enamel Erosion?

If you suspect your child may have enamel erosion, keep an eye out for the following signs:

  • Indentations on the surface of their teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Teeth with jagged edges

 

 

How to Strengthen Tooth Enamel

You can’t replace eroded enamel, but you can strengthen weak spots. If you’re trying to strengthen weak enamel, it’s essential you minimize future damage by cutting out enamel-weakening habits.

 

Limit snacking, and resist sugary foods and drinks, like soda and juice. Eat a healthy diet, and opt for non-chewable medicines, where possible.

 

Dentists are specially trained to recognize weakened enamel early. Every child should see a dentist for the first time by the age of one, and once every six months after.

 

 

Kool Smiles’ Partner Dentists Provide Affordable Dental Care for Your Kids

Kool Smiles Kids Club has a vast network of top-quality, kid-friendly, affordable partner dentists. Our partner dentists welcome patients with Medicaid, TRICARE, and CHIP (formerly SCHIP).

 

Our partner clinics have welcoming waiting areas and friendly, helpful staff. Kool Smiles’ partner dentists go above and beyond to make every child feel confident and comfortable at their appointment. When you choose a Kool Smiles partner clinic for your child’s oral health needs, you can rest assured that your child’s teeth are in great hands.

 

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Sources:

Web MD: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-enamel-erosion-restoration

Colgate: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/acid-erosion-causes