Are you damaging your tooth enamel?

What is tooth enamel

Enamel is the tough layer that covers the visible part of your teeth, protecting them from decay and damage. While tooth enamel is the hardest material in your body, it’s not indestructible and it can’t heal itself like a bone. So, it’s really important to protect it.  

Here some of the foods that may damage your tooth enamel:

• Fruit: is good for your health, and we’re not saying don’t eat it, but when it comes to the more acidic varieties (such as oranges, grapefruit, and pineapple) it’s a good idea to rinse with water afterwards.
• Soft drinks and sugar-free soft drinks: Brownie points for opting for sugar free drinks, but unfortunately when it comes to your teeth, any soft drink is extremely acidic and can cause severe erosion to your tooth enamel. You should only drink them occasionally and try to make water your main drink throughout the day.
• All types of wine (sorry!).
• Coffee and tea (sorry again!).
• Sour gummies are extremely acidic and especially bad for your tooth enamel.
• Lollies – hard and chewy - sugar doesn’t contain acid, but it encourages the growth of acid-creating bacteria in your mouth
• Moderately acidic foods that can cause damage if you eat too many include tomatoes, maple syrup, yogurt, raisins, pickles, and even honey.

Signs of enamel erosion include:

• Sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks may cause a twinge of pain, especially in the early stages of enamel erosion.
• Your teeth may turn a yellowish colour as the enamel wears away.
• With the loss of enamel, the edges of your teeth may feel more jagged.