Proven Facts About Soft Teeth
Have you heard some people claiming they have soft teeth? Some people claim that their teeth got softer with age, after giving birth, and due to certain lifestyle habits. For this reason, they are more susceptible to tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, and cavities, among other factors. If you’re wondering whether some people have soft teeth, keep reading to find out more.
What are Soft Teeth?
Enamel is the outermost and hardest part of your tooth and body. The enamel protects the tooth’s inner structures, like the dentin and pulp, from external factors like trauma and acidic attacks. The dentin is the softer second layer of the tooth. The pulp is the innermost chamber that hosts the tooth’s blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues.
The enamel consists of calcium phosphate minerals susceptible to erosion, cracking, or wear. These damages soften the teeth, making them more vulnerable to external factors. Such teeth are soft teeth. Soft tooth enamel increases your risk of dental issues such as sensitivity, pain, decay, cavities, fractures, and tooth loss.
Unfortunately, you can’t reverse the damage once the enamel is damaged. Dental restorations or materials of similar strength can only repair the tooth. Our dentist in Rifle, CO, offers dental restorations.
Misconceptions about Soft Teeth
The fact is that there aren’t soft teeth. Many people who claim they have soft teeth have weakened enamel, making them vulnerable to damage. Even with daily hygiene, the teeth are less likely to withstand regular damage.
Fortunately, there are measures you can take to protect your teeth and make them less vulnerable to damage. Softness happens at the early stages of teeth development rather than later in life.
Causes of Soft Teeth
Softer teeth or thinning of the enamel can happen due to various reasons:
- Heartburn or acid reflux. Sometimes stomach acid can flow from the stomach into the esophagus and mouth, your teeth. The acids can demineralize the enamel, weakening your teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing your teeth can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. Over time, these deposits release harmful acids that erode the tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.
- Excessive sugar intake. Sugar doesn’t directly cause enamel erosion or cavities. However, consuming a lot of sugar encourages bacterial growth and plaque, producing acids that weaken the enamel.
- Aggressive brushing. Harsh brushing won’t make your teeth cleaner. On the contrary, it could contribute to enamel erosion, significantly weakening your tooth.
- Bruxism. Chronic teeth grinding and clenching can cause your enamel to wear down, making your teeth more susceptible to damage.
- Acidic items. Regular intake of acidic items like apple cider vinegar can erode your enamel, significantly weakening them.
- Trauma. Dental injuries like cracks, chips, and breaks weaken the structure of a tooth. Visit our dental office for treatments if your teeth are damaged.
- Childhood anomalies like amelogenesis imperfecta, enamel hypoplasia, hypomineralization, and vitamin and nutritional deficiencies
How to Treat Soft Teeth
While you can’t reverse enamel damage, the dentist can use certain procedures to improve the strength and structure of your teeth. These can include:
- Enamel reshaping
- Supplements in case of deficiencies
- Fluoride treatments to remineralize the tooth
- Dental fillings, inlays, or Onlays
- Dental bonding, veneers, and crown
How to Prevent Enamel Erosion and Improve Your Oral Health
- Brush gently but thoroughly at least twice daily. Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive oral products.
- Use fluoride-based toothpaste or take tap water.
- Floss properly at least once daily.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Limit sugary and acidic food items. If you must take them, be sure to rinse your mouth afterward.
- Eat tooth-healthy food rich in essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and potassium.
- Hydrate adequately. It helps wash away acids, bacteria, and debris from the mouth.
- Schedule routine dental assessments and cleanings. It helps prevent and diagnose dental problems early when they are easier and quicker to reverse.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Do you think you have weakened teeth? Contact Rifle Dental Care for general dentistry near you.