People are said to have soft teeth when their teeth are more susceptible to things like tooth decay. While soft teeth aren’t technically a real condition, it is possible to have teeth that aren’t as able to stand up to wear and tear. Learn more about the condition of soft teeth and how you can ensure your teeth stay safe and cavity-free.
What Can Cause Soft Teeth?
Very rarely are soft teeth a genetic condition. But rarely, amelogenesis imperfecta is a condition that impacts the way your enamel forms. Patients with this condition often have pitting or discoloration. Their teeth may overall be smaller as well.
But most commonly, other issues cause problems with your enamel. Enamel hypomineralization occurs when enamel development is interrupted. The enamel is soft or bumpy, causing sensitive teeth more susceptible to decay.
When you lose your enamel, it’s impossible to grow it back. Enamel erosion occurs when you’re consuming many acidic foods, are grinding your teeth, or have conditions like acid reflux. Teeth become more sensitive and aren’t as protected because the enamel wears away.
Other things that can cause weakened enamel include:
- Malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies
- Trauma
- Bacteria or tooth decay
- Hormonal imbalances
- Infections in baby teeth
- Aggressive teeth brushing
Soft Teeth Misconceptions
Many people think soft teeth are a genetic issue passed down. But more often than not, that isn’t the case. People also commonly think that soft teeth happen later in life with the impacts of aging. But if you’re going to have soft teeth, it’s something that happens in the developmental stages when you’re younger.
Certain activities or life events can’t bring on soft teeth. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or an adult diagnosis of diabetes don’t impact the state of your teeth. Big changes or trauma can impact the state of your teeth, but they won’t cause the specific condition of soft teeth.
Do I Have Soft Teeth?
It’s unlikely that you have this condition. Tooth development occurs before the age of 14, aside from our wisdom teeth. Your teeth likely aren’t soft unless something formative happened during childhood. This includes malnutrition, excessive bacteria or infection, or severe trauma.
But this doesn’t mean that your enamel is in the clear. Your teeth may not have developed wrong, but your enamel can still become thinner. Acid reflux continually brings stomach acid into your mouth, wearing enamel away. Too much sugar, acidic beverages, or poor oral hygiene can cause this, but it doesn’t mean that you have soft teeth.
Also, if your teeth are soft, you can usually tell by looking at them. They’ll have chalky spots or brown spots, something out of the ordinary. If your teeth look normal, they’re probably not soft. Your dentist would also say something if they noticed something to worry about on your teeth.
Schedule an Appointment With Your Plano, Texas Dentist
Dr. Mark Sowell performs full examinations to find any enamel issues with your teeth. Call us or schedule a consultation online.