What causes teeth enamel corrosion?

What causes teeth enamel corrosion?

Enamel is the outer hard part of the tooth that protects the inner soft pulp. It is responsible for giving a hard structure to the teeth, enabling them to tear and chew the food. It also insulates the teeth, protecting the inner pulp from temperature and harmful chemicals. The softening, staining or grinding of the enamel is referred to as enamel corrosion. According to dentists in Diamond Bar CA, enamel corrosion is the main cause of cavities and plaque accumulation. Once corroded, enamel rarely grows back, as it is composed of inorganic elements: calcium and phosphate.

Although, the process of remineralization naturally occurs every time enamel softens, permanent corrosion of enamel causes tooth decay and infection. The main causes of tooth enamel corrosion are: Physical wear and tear: This type of corrosion is called abrasion. It happens when teeth are exposed to physical damage such as hard brushing, improper flossing, biting on hard objects and chewing tobacco. This type of enamel corrosion usually occurs in the molars and is directly responsible for formation of cavities and chipping of teeth.

Friction and grinding: Enamel corrosion of such kind is called attrition. It occurs in people who have the habit of unnecessarily grinding their teeth or who clench their teeth often. People, who suffer from bruxism- grinding of teeth during sleep, are victims of such kind of enamel corrosion. Diamond Bar dentists believe that attrition is one of the main causes of enamel corrosion in molars and pre-molars.

Acidity: When the pH level of the mouth increases, the calcium phosphate bond starts breaking, softening the enamel. Usually, as soon as the pH falls, the bonds are reformed again, but in situations where pH remains consistently high, permanent corrosion of enamel occurs. Due to bad oral hygiene or acid reflux, the acidity in the mouth remains constantly high and leads to softening and chipping of the enamel.

Foods and beverages:

According to dentists in Diamond Bar CA, one must be really careful about what he eats or drinks because our oral health directly depends upon what we eat. Beverages such as tea, alcohol, coffee and citrus fruits increase the acidity of mouth because of which enamel corrosion occurs. They also stain the enamel causing yellow marks on the teeth. Spicy and excessively sweet foods also damage the enamel.

Enamel corrosion can lead to severe complications, causing plaque formation and cavities. In order to prevent it, you must be very careful about your oral health and visit your diamond bar dentist regularly.