Take Care of Your Tooth Enamel

People commonly think the hardest component of their body is the femur, or maybe your skull. However, the hardest component may surprise you…

It is actually your tooth enamel.

Even though it is strong, tooth enamel is actually very fragile. This is why taking care of your teeth is so important. There are many kinds of techniques, habits, and foods that can do damage on someone’s enamel.

These include activities such as biting on a popcorn kernel or chewing on ice cubes. These are just two fairly common examples that cause damage to someone’s tooth enamel. Some other sources of damage are things like getting some kind of mouth jewelry or having the bad habit of chewing your nails.

Fruits containing high levels of citric acid, chewing on pencils, improper dental habits, and more, are some other ways you can damage your tooth enamel.

ALSO READ: What Effect Does Your Oral Health Have On Your Overall Health?

However, the most common way someone damages their tooth enamel is bruxism. Bruxism is when you constantly clench your jaw and grind your teeth. When you continue to do this, your teeth become worn down, which is what we call attrition. Root dentin can become exposed if your attrition becomes serious enough. When dentin is exposed, your teeth become very sensitive and can start to stain. Not only does clenching and grinding damage teeth, it can also cause damage to the ligaments in your jaw and alveolar bone.

In addition to discoloration, sensitivity and increased tooth decay, if untreated, bruxism has the ability to cause periodontal disease to develop. 

Are you concerned about the health of your tooth enamel?

Contact Dr. Faist in Beachwood, OH. There are simple treatments and methods that can be done to help you stop clenching or grinding your teeth. Feel free to schedule an appointment today with Dr. Faist and his team of dental professionals.