Your teeth are made of enamel, an extremely hard material. This is pretty useful for all the eating we do but what happens if your enamel is starting to thin? Is there anything you can do to rebuild or restore it? What if bad enamel is making your teeth look yellow? If you have questions or concerns about having teeth with bad enamel, read on!
Can You Regrow Enamel?
If you’ve noticed that the bottoms of your teeth are looking transparent, your teeth are looking more yellow or they appear more rough around the edges, it’s probable that your enamel is being eroded. OK, so how can you grow it back? Unfortunately, enamel doesn’t grow like hair or fingernails so it won’t replace itself over time. Don’t panic, though, there are things you can do to:
- slow down enamel loss and
- improve the overall look of your teeth.
How To Prevent Enamel Loss
How strong the enamel on your teeth is can come down to genetics but there are also many preventive steps you can take to look after the surface of your teeth. While you cannot regrow lost enamel, you can slow down the erosion of your enamel and remineralize the surface of your teeth to strengthen them. Here are a few things that are easy to do and can really make a difference:
- Brush and floss regularly but make sure you’re not brushing too hard
- Cut out sugary food and drinks
- Ensure you’re using a fluoride toothpaste
- See your dentist regularly
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Eat food that’s rich in calcium
- Ensure you are getting enough vitamin D, either in your diet or via supplement
- Drink more water
- Increase your saliva production by eating leafy greens
- Use a night guard to prevent bruxism or teeth grinding when you’re asleep
- Acid reflux can erode enamel so take appropriate medications if you’re prone to this.
Can You Restore Tooth Enamel?
The best way to treat enamel erosion is to try and prevent it from getting worse by following a healthy diet and good oral care routine. As we’ve already mentioned, tooth enamel will not grow back naturally. You can remineralize weak enamel up to a point by following the steps above. If you are experiencing increased tooth sensitivity or you don’t like the way your teeth are looking because you think you have bad enamel, make an appointment to see your dentist. Patients in Pueblo, CO and surrounding areas can contact Pueblo West Neighborhood Dental and Implants for any concerns about thinning or eroded enamel.
Improving the Look of Bad Enamel
Eroded or weak enamel can make your teeth look discolored and they can be more susceptible to chipping. To improve the look of your bad enamel and to strengthen your teeth, there are a few cosmetic dental options:
- Dental bonding can be used to fill small gaps or provide a more uniform surface for a tooth
- If more teeth are affected, dental veneers can be used to give teeth a smooth and strong appearance.
- If a tooth is damaged, a dental crown can be placed over it to improve the look and give it protection.
If you have bad enamel on your teeth or you’re worried about enamel loss, contact Dr. Ross at Pueblo West Neighborhood Dental and Implants for the latest techniques in enamel care.
