What we call weak enamel is most likely a process of decay that’s gone unchecked for far too long.
In some people, it may be that a genetic issue called amelogenesis imperfecta is to blame. Although AI is quite rare in the United States, other populations have a much higher rate.
More than likely, it’s poor dental hygiene, diet, an accident, or bad habit that’s to blame. The most common of these issues are things like nail-biting, drinking sugary or carbonated drinks (including alcoholic beverages), and grinding your teeth.
The truth is that a weak enamel is possible for everyone. To prevent enamel erosion, strengthen teeth, and fix weak teeth you’ll need to change habits and get help.
Keep reading to see what some of the fixes for weak enamel include.
Dental Crowns Shores Up Weak Enamel
One of the best ways to prevent enamel erosion is to create a buffer. For this reason, dental crowns are likely the best choice for fighting enamel erosion, protecting teeth after root canals, or giving your smile new life.
These benefits are only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Consider speaking to your dentist about dental crowns if you’re concerned about enamel erosion or any other issues.
Changing Habits to Prevent Weak Enamel
Without changing habits, even those fancy new dental crowns won’t last as long as you hope. To keep those crowns in good condition as long as possible or to prevent the need for crowns altogether, the best prevention is changing your habits.
Since acids are likely the worst enemy of your teeth, there are many ways to counter the campaign against your enamel.
- Stay away from acidic drinks and acidic food
- If you must have an acidic drink, use a straw (even for beer or wine)
- Have some dairy (milk or cheese) after acidic food and drink
- Don’t brush after eating, chew sugar-free gum instead
- Brush an hour after eating, but use a soft bristle
Drinking beer or wine from a straw may seem strange, but it helps to bypass your teeth as it moves to the back of your mouth.
Having milk or munching on some cheese reduces acid and introduces calcium. Calcium helps to neutralize acids in your mouth.
Promote Saliva Production
You might not have saliva production high on your list of priorities, but it should be. One of the best ways is chewing sugar-free gum. Another is to quit smoking.
Chewing sugar-free gum helps to loosen food stuck in your teeth and activate saliva for a double-whammy protective measure. Saliva reduces acid and helps to re-harden your enamel after contact with acids.
Smoking can reduce saliva production by as much as 40%, which on its own causes tooth mobility, lesions, gingivitis, and halitosis among other things.
The bottom line is that if you want to boost saliva production, the best thing you can do is stop behavior that inhibits it.
Something to Chew On
Weak enamel is nothing to put off for tomorrow. Making lifestyle changes, changing habits, and taking preventative measures is the best way to slow it down. Dental crowns are the best way to prevent them from getting worse if they’ve already noticeably weakened, chipped, or fractured.
Need more dental advice to think about? Keep browsing our articles for more advice on having a healthy mouth, looking handsome or beautiful every day, and more!