Your teeth play a critical role in your long-term health and your ability to enjoy your meals. When your teeth are damaged, you may cause physical pain when you eat a meal or enjoy a beverage. By understanding tooth enamel and the impact of erosion on your teeth, you can determine when to seek a Castro Valley dentist.
What is Tooth Enamel?
Tooth enamel is the shell covering your teeth. It is a translucent material that covers the entire exterior of the tooth that you see out of the gums. Although it is a translucent material, it is also the strongest material in your body. The purpose of enamel is protecting your teeth from chewing, biting or other potentially damaging actions. It also protects your teeth from harmful chemicals.
How the Enamel Erodes
Enamel erosion occurs when the enamel on your teeth starts to wear away from portions of your teeth. It may occur for a variety of reasons and several factors may speed up or impact the speed of enamel erosion.
Common factors that cause erosion include:
- Acidic foods and drinks, such as coffee or soda
- Dry mouth
- High sugar diets
- Acid reflux disease or similar conditions
- Certain medications, like antibiotics
- Genetic factors
- Stress on your teeth or wear and tear
The erosion of enamel depends on the specific situation. It may stem from a variety of factors and multiple factors contribute to the damage.
Treatment from a Family Dentist in Castro Valley
When you seek treatment from a family dentist in Castro Valley, you gain the opportunity to limit the impact of erosion on your enamel. Generally, you need professional treatment to protect your teeth from enamel erosion. Depending on the situation, we may recommend fillings or other treatments to protect your teeth. We also recommend lifestyle changes to limit the damage to your teeth.
Repairing tooth enamel depends on your situation and lifestyle. By working with a Castro Valley dentist, you reduce the risks to your teeth by treating the underlying problems. To learn more about dental treatments, call (510) 581-1991 today.
