Tooth erosion or decay is on the rise within our current culture. There are a number of reasons behind the increase in cases, including a change in society’s dietary and working habits. By understanding more comprehensively the causes behind tooth erosion, you can become a more focused dental patient. And so within this blog, we’ll highlight the leading causes of tooth erosion to help you mitigate future problems.
Diet High in Sugar
As with the majority of dental health conditions, your diet plays an important role within your level of tooth erosion. Many of the products that can lead to weight-gain also lead to the destruction of enamel. And so it’s important you minimize the amount of high-carbohydrate food and drinks from your diet. In addition to products such as candy, fruit juices are another culprit behind tooth erosion, as they often contain as much sugar content as the average non-diet soft drink.
Tooth Grinding
Tooth grinding is a common problem among the general Canadian population and can lead to the stripping away of the outer enamel of the tooth. Once the enamel has been stripped from the tooth, the dentin within the center is exposed, leading to further potential damage in future. Your dentist might recommend protective mouth guards to reduce the damage caused by tooth grinding during sleep.
Medications
Medication is another of the leading causes of tooth erosion. The chemical compounds present within over-the-counter products such as aspirin and antihistamines may cause lasting damage to teeth if taken frequently. In addition, some medications can cause dry mouth, which is a leading risk factor behind tooth erosion as it prevents your mouth from using saliva as a defense.
Aggressive Brushing
While it’s quite rare, aggressive brushing is also a factor behind tooth erosion in some dental patients. You might be applying too much pressure or, improper technques with your brush, and wearing away the enamel of the teeth over time. This problem might also be related to an overly abrasive tooth brush. Your dentist will be able to recommend the ideal brush for your long-term teeth cleaning requirements.
By considering the many causes of tooth erosion, you can become more proactive on your lifestyle choices and prevent dental care issues in future. Speak with one our Team members today to discuss your tooth erosion treatment options.
