Soft Teeth
Problem
The term “soft teeth” is usually used in reference to teeth that are specifically susceptible to decay or sensitivity. Many patients blame their family history of tooth decay to explain the poor health of their teeth. However, even if there are genetic causes behind the occurrence of cavities in one’s teeth, such cases are very rare. The major reason for the formation of cavities is poor oral hygiene. The fact is, even though the enamel is harder than bone, it can get eroded with time due to various reasons.
The first reason behind this is the acids in our stomach that can cause damage to the enamel. Consumption of highly acidic foods or excessive soft drinks can also fasten this process of erosion. Also, consuming food with high fluoride content or drinking water that has high fluoride levels can damage the enamel. Lastly, the enamel can also get eroded due to bacterial action over time. Still, this erosion of the enamel is not the same as the common concept of “soft teeth”. So just because your parents had dental cavities, it does not necessarily mean that you will face the same problem too.
Solutions
Even though “soft teeth” can be a problem in rare cases, it is important to note that you can be in charge of your dental health. This involves nurturing healthy eating habits and regular cleaning and flossing of teeth. It is also essential that you visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure that your teeth are in good health. With regular check-ups, the dentist can not only point out any weak points in your teeth but will also help in preventing plaque and tartar build-up. In Right Choice Dental Care, dentists can also help you to keep in check any bad habits that can affect your dental health in the long run.
FAQ's
Is Soft teeth a real thing? Or Soft Teeth: Myth or Fact?
The term “soft teeth” is usually used in reference to having teeth that are more susceptible to tooth decay or sensitivity. It is sometimes used to reference there being a lot of cavities in your family history, which has led you to have a gene pool that’s more vulnerable to cavities and decay.
The concept of soft teeth is a myth—you are in control of your own oral health and your teeth. Cavities are 100% preventable and cannot be passed down as part of your family gene pool. Just because your parents, aunts, uncles or grandparents had a lot of cavities or decay, doesn’t necessarily mean that you will too.
Cavities and decay are a result of bacteria in your mouth and a lack of a proper oral hygiene routine for your specific needs. For example, if you are a smoker, you may need a different oral hygiene routine compared to someone who suffers from gum disease, and so on. Figuring out an oral hygiene routine that works for your specific needs is a big benefit of having regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist. That becomes your time to ask any questions about your oral health and make sure you are taking the appropriate steps to avoid cavities and decay
What causes soft teeth?
As we age, our bone matter, including teeth, can begin to erode. The tooth’s outer layer, known as enamel.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the body – twice the hardness of bone, however, there are all kinds of damaging substances and actions that are capable of weakening it over time. It’s easy to understand this process if you think of how running water is capable of smoothing rough rock over time. Things like….
- Acid Reflux/Bulimia
- Enamel Fluorosis
- Bacteria
- Childhood Fever
- Food/Drink Acids
- Nutrition
- Oral Hygiene
- Brushing Habits
- Medications
- Radiation/Chemotherapy
- Immune Diseases
Is there really a genetic disorder that causes soft teeth? Can soft teeth be inherited?
Over the years, we have had many patients claim that the poor condition of their teeth was caused by the soft teeth they inherited from a parent or grandparent. While there truly is a genetic condition that can result in imperfectly formed teeth, it is a rare condition and is seldom seen. It’s characteristics are easily distinguishable from the type of soft teeth that are caused from our choices.
The truth is, sometimes it’s easier to blame genetics either because it saves us from the shame we feel or it saves us from being held accountable for our health conditions. But, we know that when patients tell us that they have soft teeth, they truly believe it.
While we never rule out the possibility of soft teeth, if, after examination, we find that their teeth are perfectly normal, we then have to find what is causing their poor teeth.
How can I rebuild my enamel naturally? Or How to Restore Tooth Enamel?
As we age, our bone matter, including teeth, can begin to erode. The tooth’s outer layer, known as enamel,
If your enamel undergoes too much damage, or if a tooth is chipped or cracked, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to strengthen enamel back to its natural state. However, in cases where your enamel is slightly weakened or tooth decay is still in its “pre-cavity” stage, you can take certain measures to ensure your enamel rehardens naturally.
- Brush with a 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. Crest’s Gum & Enamel Repair Advanced Whitening can help repair enamel, neutralize bacteria, and polish off surface stains.
- Sugar-free gum: Chew on gum devoid of any sugars to stimulate saliva production to better wash away harmful plaque bacteria. Sugars promote bacterial growth, so be sure to choose a sugar-free option.
- Try a fluoride mouthwash: Equip your oral care routine with a specialized rinse that fortifies your enamel.Bacteria and sugars are swished away while remineralizing qualities are hard at work.
The remineralization process usually takes about three to four months to take effect. However, once you begin to better fortify your enamel, you may start to see stronger teeth, experience less sensitivity, and even reveal a whiter smile.
