A Parent’s Guide to Emergency Dental Care

Posted on: 13 August 2021

Some people seem more prone to dental issues than others and that can sometimes be blamed on genetics. If your parents have dental issues, chances are you will have some of the same or similar issues. One common problem that may or may not be inherited is what is often referred to as soft teeth. Read on to find out what causes this malady and what you can do about it.

What Are Soft Teeth?

While soft teeth, as a rule, may not be listed in any dental journal as a condition, it still affects thousands of dental patients. Soft teeth can be considered more of a syndrome than a condition. Patients exhibit a number of wide-ranging symptoms that mostly involve teeth that are more prone to decay and damage. In most cases, those who have been told they have soft teeth by their dentist have been aware of it since their adult teeth came in. As children, they may have suffered from a severe illness or other health concerns that created conditions making them more prone to these types of problems. Soft teeth may also be different in appearance. They might be darker in color, have chalky-looking areas, indentations, or other unusual aspects.

Causes of Soft Teeth

Dental experts are not completely sure what causes this syndrome, exhibit a history of certain conditions.

• Acid reflux tendencies, which can mean strong stomach acids coming into contact with teeth and etching them away.
• Malnutrition along with low levels of some minerals can leave teeth permanently damaged.
• Female hormonal changes that can cause tooth damage.
• More than the usual amount of bacteria can also create the potential for soft teeth.

What To Do

Following common but still valid advice about brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist will help identify and treat conditions caused by soft teeth before they turn into serious problems.

1. Brush softly and consider using an electric brush to achieve more control over your brushing motions.
2. Stay away from sugar-filled soft drinks.
3. Don't allow babies and children to take a bottle to bed with them, even if it's only milk. Juice is also bad because of the sugar in most juices. Water may be used as a better alternative.
4. Starchy foods like potatoes, rice, and pasta should be avoided.

If you have soft teeth, you too can have a healthy mouth as long as you pay attention to your dental hygiene and visit your dentist slightly more often than most people do. Contact a local dentist near you to learn more.