Tooth enamel erodes throughout life because of many factors. The foods and drinks we consume contain acid that can eat away at it. Saliva is an important part of the battle against enamel erosion; it can neutralize acid and nourish the teeth with calcium.

Stomach acid can be problematic as well. Conditions such as gastro esophageal reflux disease can cause stomach acids to reach the mouth, which are very conducive to eroding tooth enamel. A dry mouth can restrict how much saliva is available, so the teeth are not as protected as they otherwise would be. Common drinks that contain citric acid or phosphoric acid, and even fruit drinks, can be very erosive. Other factors include medications such as antihistamines and aspirin, genetics, and normal wear and tear.

Environmental Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion

Friction from teeth grinding can damage enamel. Bruxism is a condition in which a person clenches or grinds their teeth involuntarily while they are sleeping. Tooth-to-tooth friction that can cause erosion is called attrition. There are also many abrasive factors. Hard toothbrushes or brushing too hard can wear down the tooth surface, as can flossing improperly or biting on pens, bottle caps, or fingernails.

A process called abfraction can erode enamel because stress fractures in the tooth degrade it. The tooth can flex or bend, leading to cracks and vulnerable enamel. Exposure to corrosive acids is particularly damaging, as already stated, but certain vitamins, medications, and other elements associated with one’s habits can lead to erosion that can leave the underlying dentine exposed.

Plaque and Enamel Erosion

Comprising bacteria, saliva, and food particles, plaque forms on the surface of teeth as a sticky film. It can get inside holes and recesses in teeth, and even under the gum line. There are some bacteria that can turn food starts into corrosive acids that eat away at the enamel. Pits that form in the enamel can grow and increase in number over time.

Bad Habits Exacerbate the Problem

Consuming acidic foods and beverages, snacking frequently throughout the day, and not drinking enough water can increase enamel erosion. Drinking water improves saliva volume to protect the teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol does as well. Without enough saliva, teeth-strengthening materials may not be present, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay; following some important tips can at least slow down any erosion so enamel can be maintained for longer.

You may not think of toothpaste for anything other than brushing your teeth. But the fact of the matter is that it’s pretty amazing and has plenty of other uses besides cleaning your mouth. You may be shocked at these six strange yet entirely true alternative uses for toothpaste.

1. Cell Phone Glass

If there is one thing we all use more than anything else in our lives, it’s our cell phone. If your iPhone or Android has a few scrapes just take a little toothpaste and rub the affected areas. Let it sit for a minute or two and then take a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe it off. You’ll be amazed at the results and you can even try doing it with watch crystals and eyeglasses lenses as well.

2. Automobile Imperfections

Much like with your cell phone glass, the paint job on your automobile is also going to take some serious wear and tear from constant use. Try using a little toothpaste to remove those unseemly scrapes, apply it to the scratch, and use a damp sponge or chamois to rub it in a circular motion. When you’re done, wipe it off with a dry cloth. Careful about applying too much elbow grease as you could eat away at the paint.

3. Fine Silver and Brass

These delicate items can also be replenished with a little bit of toothpaste. Scrub the affected areas and then rinse completely. Use a good polish after to retain that sheen. For particularly deep scratches where some toothpaste has become stuck, just take a toothbrush and remove it with some water.

4. Acne Treatment

Don’t have any Clearasil around? No problem, you can apply some toothpaste to those blemishes on your face as it will minimize redness and help to bring up the puss that is building up within the pimple. A mint toothpaste is the best choice for the job, apply a little bit to the area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wash it off and put a moisturizing lotion on afterward to avoid drying out your skin.

5. Defogging Agent

You’ve taken a shower and the mirrors are all fogged up. You don’t want to wipe them clear or else you could leave a residue. Next time, smear some toothpaste on them before-hand and then wipe it off. That will keep the mirrors from getting all cloudy.

6. Clean Shower Doors

Yes you can use toothpaste to clean the doors of your shower stall. Apply some paste and rub in circles until you can see through them clearly. You may need to repeat the process every couple of months to keep them looking their best.

A picture perfect smile of pearly whites – it’s the easiest way to increase self-confidence, make a great impression, and even improve prospects on the job! Unfortunately, keeping your canines white and bright can be difficult, as there are a nearly endless array of factors that can contribute to yellowed, stained, or discolored teeth. Some of these factors are unavoidable, such as genetics and age. However many of the causes of stained teeth are preventable and correctable. Simple adjustments to your daily habits and routines can facilitate a healthier smile and whiter, brighter teeth.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your teeth stain-free so your smile can shine at its most brilliant best.

1. Brush and rinse after ingesting staining foods and drinks

Certain foods and drinks are known for contributing to the discoloration of your teeth. Foods such as coffee, soda (particularly dark colas), red and white wine, grape juice, blueberries, beets, soy sauce, and tomatoes are just a few of the most common culprits that contribute to stains on the teeth, but the list is long. In general, anything that can stain your clothes or hands is also likely to stain your teeth. To avoid the unwanted dyeing effects of these substances, brush and/or rinse after ingestion.

2. Quit smoking

As if there weren’t enough reasons not to smoke, you can add yellowed and stained teeth to the list as well. Use of tobacco, whether it’s in the form of cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco, is one of the biggest contributors to stains on the teeth. Seek help from your doctor on how to quit, not only for your overall health but also for the sake of your smile.

3. Drink through a straw

Sounds a little strange, but drinking through a straw is a simple way to avoid putting drinks like coffee, tea, or cola in direct contact with your teeth. By using a straw, these liquids will not affect the front visible surfaces of your teeth and won’t stain them as a result.

4. Explore teeth whitening procedures

Sometimes, no matter what you do, your teeth inevitably develop discoloration and stains. That’s why teeth whitening practices have become so popular today. There are at-home kits available at your local drugstore that are inexpensive, effective, quick, and simple. There are also professional whitening procedures that facilitate greater results and combat more extensive staining. There are also numerous whitening toothpastes, mouth rinses, and other products that claim to improve the color of your smile. While all of these may not be effective, the majority of them do help at varying levels and degrees. For more information, talk to your dentist about which practice would suit you and your smile.

Your mouth can speak volumes without you having to say a word. In fact, your mouth may be the first thing people notice. Smiles, laughs, even the smell of your breath all leave lasting impressions on others. The inside of your mouth can be home to a multitude of tell-tale signs for potential health problems, poor hygiene, and even what your diet and lifestyle consist of. How can you know when there is a serious problem that requires a trip to the dentist? Regular checkups help prevent serious issues, but it is possible for problems to develop in between visits. Recognizing the signs of a real problem can get you into the dentist and feeling better before the problem has a chance to get worse.

Chronic Bad Breath

Everyone has experienced a bout of bad breath from time to time, but chronic halitosis (bad breath) is usually an indication that there are bigger problems at bay that need to be addressed. Bad breath could just stem from lack of proper oral care and failure to properly maintain good brushing and flossing habits. Consistently, missing brushing and flossing could lead to bacterial growth in your mouth and chronic bad breath. Unfortunately, bad breath is just the beginning once bacteria starts to grow it can infect your gums and lead to gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis is the inflammation and bleeding of gums. This condition can further increase the risk for other health problems like stroke or heart attack. Infections of the mouth aren’t limited to just the gums an abscessed tooth can cause inflammation of the gums, infection, and drainage that will also affect your breath. It is best to make an appointment if you have any of the symptoms or concerns about the state of your gums.

Pain

Toothaches are another common problem and can be quite debilitating if not treated quickly. These aches can stem from different problems and may not necessarily be anything to do with the tooth. Most toothaches can be traced back to tooth decay or damaged teeth or gums. If a gum as recessed even a little exposing the root, you may experience tooth sensitivity. A cavity or cracked tooth may also lead you to experience a high level of pain in the damaged tooth and sensitivity. There are times that toothaches and sensitivity are caused by other factors like sinus swelling and headaches. Visit us if pain or sensitivity persist.

Other pain or oral problems like mouth sores or ulcers could be related to ill fitting dentures or orthodontic fixtures. In some cases these sores are due to viruses, vitamin deficiencies like B12 or potential oral cancers from abuse of tobacco products. Please contact us immediately if anything in your mouth refuses to heal.

Your child’s life is full of exciting firsts like the first time they roll over, take their first step, and say their first word. Sometimes with all of these amazing milestones, the first trip to the dentist can be an easy first to overlook. When is the right time to start caring for your child’s teeth with proper brushing and yearly checkups?

At-home oral care starts early even before they get their first tooth, and while checkups can wait a while, it doesn’t hurt to get them familiar with a good dental routine. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 children have at least one untreated tooth decay or cavity. These early problems can lead to pain and other issues with speaking, learning, and eating. The sooner good habits for brushing and flossing are instilled, the healthier your little one’s mouth will be as they continue to grow.

How To Get Started

Great habits can start before a first tooth comes in. Gently brushing your baby’s gums with a special brush once or twice a day can get them used to the idea of brushing and the importance of taking care of their teeth. As toddlers start them brushing with a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent cavities. Be sure to help your young child brush their teeth to ensure they are learning the correct way to brush and that all of the teeth are being cleaned. As they grow more you can introduce both flossing and how to use a fluoride mouth wash made specifically for children. Limiting the amount of sugary foods and offering a larger variety of healthy and fresh foods rounds out a great beginning to a healthy mouth.

Overcome Checkup Anxiety

The first checkup to your dentist can cause anxiety and fear in a little one if they have never accompanied you on a check-up. A great way to settle their anxiousness is to allow them to come with you for a routine cleaning and checkup. You can also discuss what will happen at their checkup without describing the process with too much detail. Your hygienist or dentist will have their own terminology used with children’s visits and will do everything they can to ease their worries and explain what they are doing.

Early Prevention

Early checkups will help prevent cavities and can help identify orthodontic problems for early treatment. Protective sealants can be applied to back molars which are the most likely to develop cavities and performing x-rays can show hard to see cavities in between teeth.

Don’t wait to give your child their first dental checkup. Giving them an early start with good dental hygiene and checkups will keep their smiles bright for the rest of their lives.