How Can One Best Prevent the Loss of Tooth Enamel?

At Parkway Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Ryan Reopelle and the entire team create treatment plans for every child based on their dental profile. We understand that each child is unique, and we strive to make each child shine.

As parents ourselves, we understand that you want the best for your child, including their dental care. That’s why, as your trusted pediatric dental clinic in Roanoke today, we want to talk about the importance of tooth enamel for your child.

What Is Tooth Enamel?

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance produced in your child’s body. Enamel is the material that covers each tooth and provides a tough outer layer, thus protecting the structure. Without their enamel, your child’s teeth would sustain severe damage much more quickly.

Why Is Tooth Enamel So Important?

Enamel protects the inner, more fragile areas of your kid’s teeth which are known as dentin and pulp. Enamel is the first and most important line of defense against tooth decay. If the tooth enamel is damaged, your child could quickly develop cavities, temperature sensitivity, and even tooth infection.

It’s important to remember that tooth decay is one of the most common dental conditions. Hence protecting your child’s enamel should always be a priority that influences their diet and dental hygiene routine.

7 Other Causes of Tooth Enamel Loss

Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance produced in the body, no matter how hard your kid’s tooth enamel is, it can still corrode, erode, and wear away over time. Enamel loss is one of the leading causes of tooth sensitivity and, eventually, dental decay. Even though it’s normal to lose some enamel with age, there are also many other things that can speed up the deterioration of your kid’s tooth enamel.

Poor Dental Hygiene

If the patient doesn’t keep proper oral hygiene routines, the leftover bacteria will feed on the carbohydrates left by the food and drinks. Such a combination will ultimately produce a harmful acid around your child’s teeth.

Once this acid mixes with your saliva and other bacteria in your child’s mouth, it turns into plaque. Plaque is a clear, soft, and sticky film that usually forms on the surface and in between the teeth. It can also cover the areas above and below the gum line.

Plaque attacks the tooth enamel, wearing it away and weakening it.

Using the Wrong Mouthwash

Mouthwash should be part of an excellent oral hygiene routine. However, it would help if you were careful as some mouthwashes can increase tartar formation on your child’s teeth. Tartar is a harder form of plaque; you don’t want it on your kid’s teeth.

To make sure you choose the right mouthwash for your child, look for mouthwashes that contain fluoride. Fluoride prevents tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel. Using a mouthwash that contains antiplaque, antibacterial, antimicrobial, or anti-gingivitis ingredients is a good idea. This type of mouthwash prevents dental issues such as gingivitis and gum disease.

In summary, when choosing a mouthwash, fluoride your kid’s best friend.

Too Much Soda

One of the main ingredients in soda is sugar, lots of sugar with a mix of carbon. Every time your child drinks soda, these two components interact with the bacteria in your child’s mouth.

When the bacteria in your child’s mouth mix with both the sugar and carbon found in soda, there will be even more acid in their mouth. This acid, unfortunately, attacks teeth. With time the attacks of this mixture will cause damage to the enamel.

Consuming Too Much Citric Acid

Without a doubt, orange and apple juice are yummy; however, these two types of juice contain high levels of citric acid that can wear down the enamel. But don’t worry, you don’t have to completely cut this from your kid’s diet. Try to have your child rinse their mouth with plain water after consumption to rinse away some of the acid left behind by these juices.

Drinking Carbonated Water

Drinking carbonated water all the time can also result in tooth enamel loss. Try to have your child stick to regular still water.

Candy

We all love candy, especially our kids. Nevertheless, candy contains a lot of sugar, and anything sugary is a threat to teeth and gums. Too much candy or sugar mixed with a bad oral hygiene routine will eventually deteriorate tooth enamel.

Starches and Carbs

Starches and carbohydrates such as white bread, crackers, pasta, and rice break down into sugars.

How to Naturally Restore Your Child’s Tooth Enamel

If there is too much damage to your child’s tooth enamel, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to strengthen enamel back to its natural state. However, if your child’s tooth enamel only has minor damage, you can take certain measures to ensure the enamel rehardens naturally.

 

• Please help your child brush with fluoride toothpaste: When enamel is weak, it requires minerals such as calcium to begin to rebuild itself. Use a remineralizing toothpaste infused with fluoride, the only ingredient known to effectively strengthen teeth.
• Feed your child some dairy products they can tolerate, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. These foods are high in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorous and help strengthen your child’s teeth

 

Helping your child follow a thorough oral hygiene routine is crucial. Without the protective layer of enamel, your kid’s smile may become vulnerable to staining, sensitivity, and decay. Some additional steps you can take to help ensure your kid’s enamel remains strong are:

 

• Help your child brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes
• Try having your child brush in between meals
• Help your child floss at least once a day
• Take your child to regular dentist appointments
• Avoid feeding too many sugary or starchy foods
• Try keeping your child on a balanced diet high in proteins and veggies

As you can see, tooth enamel is essential to your child’s oral health. Aside from weakened, damaged enamel and sensitivity, there is an additional unfortunate oral defect your child can suffer from.

Fluorosis/Enamel Hypoplasia

Enamel Hypoplasia, also known as fluorosis, is caused by too much exposure to fluoride. Although fluoride is good, too much of it for children between birth and six years of age can result in severe discoloration of the teeth and improper enamel development. You may be able to see fluorosis on your child’s teeth as white or black spots, white streaks.

Treating Fluorosis

Most cases of fluorosis in children are mild and do not need treatment. In more severe cases, whitening of the teeth, veneers, or other cosmetic dentistry techniques can help to correct permanent discoloration.

If you’re worried that your child’s tooth enamel is in danger of deterioration or has eroded, schedule an appointment for your child with the best pediatric dentist in Roanoke by us.

We look forward to seeing you and your child in our office.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common problem that occurs when the bacteria in your mouth convert the sugars in your food and drinks into acid. Over time, this acid can erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to cavities and other dental problems.

By following these simple steps, you can help prevent tooth decay and keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Brush Twice a Day

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. This helps to prevent plaque and remove bacteria from your teeth. Fluoride also strengthens the enamel.

If you wear traditional braces brushing thrice a day is recommendable.

Use Dental Floss Daily

Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush can’t reach.

Use waxed dental floss to avoid threading. And if you have orthodontic braces, self-threaders can be of great help.

Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

Try to avoid super sweet food and drinks, especially between meals. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward to help neutralize the acid.

Avoiding acidic foods can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Use Fluoride Mouthwash

Mouthwash, especially the kind that contains fluoride, can help to straighten your teeth and prevent decay. Swish it around your mouth with water afterward to eliminate the acid.

Mouthwash also contributes to a fresh breath and can even whiten your teeth.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing gum can help to increase saliva flow, which neutralizes bacteria and helps to wash away food particles.

It was to be the sugar-free kind since sugar only contributes to higher acidic levels. Some brands use xylitol as a sweetener, which also strengthens your tooth’s enamel.

Visit Your Dentist Annually

Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help to identify and treat tooth decay early before it becomes a bigger problem.

You should visit your dentist twice a year, but at least once every year. Some patients have a higher risk of decay and gum disease and dentists recommend to visit more often.

When to Start Brushing Kids’ Teeth?

It’s important to start brushing a child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. This is usually around six months of age but can vary from child to child. Starting early not only helps to establish good dental hygiene habits but prevents tooth decay and other dental problems.

When brushing a baby’s teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Now, be careful with the toothpaste, you should apply a portion the size of rice grain. You can apply more after your kid turns three years old.

Brush gently in a circular motion, making sure to clean all surfaces of the teeth and gums. It can be tricky to wash your child’s teeth sometimes. The upper front and upper lower teeth are the most important ones in this process.

By the time your child is two years old, they should be able to try and brush their teeth with supervision. You will have to brush them anyway, but it’s good for them to participate. Just make sure they are not swallowing the toothpaste.

By starting good dental health habits early, you can help to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

What Is the Best Toothbrush For Children?

When it comes to choosing the best toothbrush for children, there are a few factors to consider. Find here some tips to help you choose the right toothbrush for your child:

• Size: Choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles that can easily fit into your child’s mouth and reach all areas of their teeth.
• Grip: Look for a toothbrush with a comfortable grip that is easy for your child to hold and use. Avoid pointy ends to prevent accidents.
• Electric or manual: While both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective, some children may prefer the fun and novelty of an electric toothbrush. However, it’s mandatory to supervise young children while using an electric toothbrush to ensure they are using it properly and safely.
• Age-appropriate design: Some toothbrushes are specifically for certain age groups, such as toddlers or older children. These toothbrushes may have features such as larger handles or smaller heads to accommodate different ages and stages of dental development.
• Quality: Look for a toothbrush from a reputable brand that is safe and durable since your kid may not be the gentlest person yet.
• Aesthetics: Children pay much attention to the way things look like. Finding a toothbrush with their favorite character or toy can make the whole activity more appealing to their eyes.

Ultimately, the best toothbrush for your child is one that they will use regularly and effectively. Encourage your child to brush for two minutes each time, and replace their toothbrush every three to four months sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn.

The Dangers of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common dental problem that affects many people, and adults especially, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.

Experts divide gum disease into two types: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage, and periodontitis is a more serious stage of gum infection.

 Gingivitis

The main characteristic of this early stage of gum disease is inflammation of the gums. The buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums is what causes it.

The common symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, bleeding gums, and bad breath.

Patients can usually treat gingivitis and reverse it with proper dental hygiene, like brushing and flossing regularly and getting professional dental cleanings.

However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs when the infection spreads below the gum line and damages the tissues and bones that support the teeth. Over time, this can cause tooth loss and other serious health problems.

The symptoms of periodontitis include swollen, red, and bleeding gums, receding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Treatment for periodontitis usually involves deep cleaning, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.

It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage and complications.

Apart from tooth loss, experts link untreated gum disease to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory disease.

This is because the bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, causing inflammation and damage to tissues and organs.

Pediatric Dentist, Roanoke

If your child has weak enamel is not the end of the world, at Parkway Pediatric Dentistry we can help you.

There is no need to assume your kid has no enamel on teeth, bring them to a first consultation so we can all assess the extent of the problem and if there is a reason to worry at all.

Regular visits to the dentist’s office are the best way to attend to your family’s dental health. Make an appointment.