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The term “soft teeth” is often used to describe teeth that are less likely to withstand everyday wear and tear due to genetics. While people can develop weak teeth early in life, it’s rare.
If you believe you have soft teeth, it’s most likely that your tooth enamel has eroded due to poor oral hygiene and other possible factors. When you have weakened or damaged enamel, your teeth become more susceptible to cavities, tooth decay, and other dental conditions.
Keep reading to learn more about the causes of soft teeth, its misconceptions, and ways to prevent damage and decay.
What are the Common Causes of Soft Teeth?
Several factors can weaken your enamel and cause your teeth to become “soft.”
Heartburn/Acid Reflux
Heartburn or acid reflux can contribute to enamel erosion. When your teeth are exposed to erosion-causing acid from these two conditions, it can make them more vulnerable to cavities.
Bad Oral Hygiene
Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily is one of the best ways to prevent and combat dental issues. If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, bad bacteria can accumulate in the mouth, acid can be produced, and tooth enamel may be damaged. All these factors can build a recipe for tooth decay.
Poor Nutrition
Eating and drinking sugary and acidic foods is fine in moderation, but if it’s too excessive, it can contribute to poor oral health, tooth decay, and cavities.
Fever
A severe fever can prevent the cells that help remineralize your teeth from doing their job. This can weaken the enamel and cause tooth decay and cavities because the teeth absorb lower amounts of minerals.
Tooth Trauma
Traumatized teeth — e.g. cracked teeth — are usually weaker than before an accident or injury, which can potentially erode enamel and can cause tooth decay. Teeth grinding can also damage enamel over time.
Enamel Fluorosis
This condition usually happens to children. When a child takes too much fluoride while their teeth are still developing, their teeth may become weaker with fewer minerals.
Cross-Contamination
Sharing utensils, foods, toothbrushes, and more can easily pass harmful, cavity-causing bacteria from one person to another.
Understanding the Misconceptions of Soft Teeth
If you’re developing cavities or tooth decay, it’s most likely because of poor dental hygiene and nutrition, not because you have “soft teeth.” Major trauma and other factors can cause your oral health to change, but it’s unlikely to cause your teeth to soften.
However, there is an exception. Forming soft teeth can happen in the early stages of life due to a rare disorder called amelogenesis imperfecta. This congenital condition affects tooth enamel formation, resulting in potential pitting, discoloration, and other abnormalities that may cause cavities and tooth decay.
How to Prevent Soft Teeth, Cavities, and More
Your body can’t produce new enamel, so once it’s eroded, it’s gone forever. However, you can strengthen and repair existing enamel to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Take these steps to ensure your oral health is in good condition:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily and floss daily.
- Limit foods and drinks high in sugar, starch, and acidic content.
- Eat more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. They help produce saliva, which helps fight germs and bad breath.
- Drink more water, as water helps clear away food particles and bacteria.
- Schedule dental checkups every six months to ensure your oral health is sound.
- If you grind your teeth, wear a dental mouthguard at night to help prevent further enamel erosion.
When You Need to See a Dentist
Many factors can affect your tooth enamel, which can result in cavities and tooth decay. If you have concerns about soft teeth, visit a dental specialist, and they’ll address any existing issues and develop a dental routine to help prevent future decay. If you’re on a budget, a dental savings plan is an affordable alternative to dental insurance that can give you access to the care you need.
To find out more about dental savings plans, you can call us at 1-833-735-0399. We can answer any questions related to how a dental savings plan can save you money on restorative dental care and more.
