Who is the main enemy of tooth enamel? Why teeth are destroyed and caries occurs

Tooth enamel — the hardest tissue in the body. But even it is exposed to acids every day, which can gradually destroy its structure. Why does caries appear, even if a person brushes his teeth regularly? Which foods are especially dangerous? And is it possible to restore enamel without drilling? Let's look at it from a medical point of view. Who is the main enemy of tooth enamel? As a dentist, I often explain to patients: the main enemy of enamel — frequent exposure to acids. Bacteria are constantly present in the oral cavity. Some of them process sugar and other carbohydrates from food, releasing acids. Under their influence, enamel loses minerals — calcium and phosphates. This process is called demineralization. Saliva helps restore mineral balance, but with frequent acid attacks, natural defenses may not be enough. This is how caries gradually develops. What foods destroy tooth enamel? 1.Candy, caramel, toffee, lollipops. Contains sugar, which plaque bacteria use to form acids. The habit of constantly sucking up sweets is especially unfavorable. 2.Sweet soda, cola, energy drinks. May contain sugar and acids at the same time. This increases the risk of both caries and acid erosion of the enamel. 3.Lemons, grapefruits, sour juices. With frequent and prolonged contact with teeth, the acids they contain can contribute to enamel erosion. There is no need to give up fruits — it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to acid. 4.Cookies, crackers, chips and sweet pastries. Contain starch and other carbohydrates. Frequent snacking on such foods can support the formation of acids by plaque bacteria. 5.Sweet tea, coffee with sugar, syrups. The danger for the development of caries is primarily associated with added sugar and frequency of consumption. Tea and coffee can also leave pigmented deposits. Important: not only the amount of sweets matters for the health of the enamel, but also how often you eat or drink foods with sugar. How do you know if the enamel has begun to break down? In the early stages, a person may not experience pain. Please note the following changes: • Matte white spots on teeth. • Hypersensitivity to cold, hot or sweet. • Appearance of rough areas. • Changing the color of individual areas of the tooth. • Occurrence of noticeable enamel defects. These signs can have different causes. An accurate diagnosis is established after examination by a dentist. Is it possible to restore enamel without drilling? Early stage caries — sometimes yes. If the enamel surface has not yet been destroyed, the dentist may recommend fluoridation, remineralizing therapy, hygiene and nutritional correction. Such measures help stop or slow down demineralization. But if a carious cavity has already formed, the lost tissue will not recover on its own. In this case, treatment of caries and restoration of the tooth may be required. How to protect tooth enamel? • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride paste. • Clean the interdental spaces daily. • Reduce the frequency of sweet snacks. • After sour drinks, rinse your mouth with water. • Undergo preventive examinations and professional hygiene at the frequency recommended by your doctor. • Don't ignore white spots and tooth sensitivity. Prevention and treatment of caries in «Triumph-Denta» At the dental clinic «Triumph-Denta» in the Vyborg district of St. Petersburg, next to the metro «Ozerki» and «Prospekt Prosveshcheniya», we pay special attention to the early diagnosis of caries and the preservation of healthy dental tissue. Depending on the condition of the enamel, the doctor may recommend professional hygiene, fluoridation, remineralization, or treatment of caries. My advice: don't expect toothache to appear. The earlier a problem is discovered, the more opportunities there are to preserve the natural tissues of the tooth. Anufrieva Anastasia Valerievna — general dentist, dental clinic «Triumph-Denta». St. Petersburg, Lunacharsky Avenue, 7, bldg. 1. Metro «Ozerki», «Prosveshcheniya Avenue». Vyborg district. Phone: +7 (812) 697-67-13 | Website: https://triumfdenta.ru/ Schedule a preventive examination and find out what condition your tooth enamel is in. There are contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required.