Throughout your life, your teeth may become subject to damage several times when you eat sugary, acidic foods that cause tooth decay. Various foods and beverages can tear away at your enamel, the protective layer on the surface of your teeth. When you neglect dental care, you are at risk of dental erosion– permanent damage to the enamel.
Taking care of your teeth and practicing preventative measures is important because once your enamel becomes permanently damaged, it cannot grow back. However, you can remineralize your teeth to reduce the damage by restoring some of your enamel’s minerals. To know more about your child’s dental health, visit a children’s dentist in Cumming, GA.
Can tooth enamel be restored?
Once your enamel gets totally damaged with no point of return, it cannot be restored. You can usually restore the minerals in your enamel when the damage is insignificant and in its early stages. However, you can only mineralize the weakened enamel to a certain degree.
Toothpaste and healthy oral habits cannot bring back enamel, but they can surely help in the remineralizing process. Remineralization involves introducing minerals to the teeth, especially calcium. The best ingredient to remineralize your tooth is by using calcium phosphate. It is recommended to use products with high concentrations of calcium phosphate for the best results.
Signs of weakened enamel
If you suspect your enamel has weakened, you should look out for a few surefire signs. If you experience one or more of the following, consult a dentist immediately.
- Sensitive teeth
- Yellowing teeth
- Rough edges, cracks, and chips
- Shiny spots
- Increased tooth decay
- Transparent teeth
Options to repair tooth enamel
If your teeth have become damaged to the point where remineralization is not possible, your dentist can help via two options.
- Dental bonding.
In dental bonding, the resin is applied to the damaged areas. When it hardens, it becomes like a protective layer for your teeth. Since the resin’s color is matched your teeth, people won’t be able to recognize that you have done dental bonding.
- Crowns.
If the damage is severe, then the resin won’t work. Instead, the dentist will place a crown over the damaged tooth to restore its functionality.
Teeth cleanings and checkups are just as important for your child’s teeth as much as it is for adults. Dentists recommend children should come for a checkup at least once a year. You should take your child to the dental office in GA as soon as their first tooth emerges.
