Tooth enamel is the outer layer of teeth and is essential for a healthy and attractive smile. It is the most mineralized and hardest substance in the human body, allowing it to protect the sensitive inner parts of teeth effectively. Although enamel is hard and durable, it is not indestructible and is susceptible to dental erosion.
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What is Tooth Enamel Erosion?
When a bone gets damaged, it has the potential to mend itself by making new bone. Enamel is different in that once you damage it or lose it, the result is permanent. The permanence of enamel leads dentists to emphasize proper oral hygiene that protects enamel.
Tooth erosion is the permanent loss of the protective and translucent dental enamel due to acids. Typically, these acids come from the diet or a gastrointestinal problem.
What Causes Enamel Erosion?
The most common cause of enamel erosion is certain foods and drinks. Any sweet, acidic, or carbonated food or beverage has the potential to erode enamel from your teeth. This is especially true if you overconsume these as part of your regular diet. Studies have found soft drinks and chewable vitamin C tablets significantly increase the risk of enamel erosion. Other harmful foods include sweet-sour candies, sports drinks, and sweet or starchy snacks.
Several other factors can also increase the risk of enamel erosion. These include:
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Dry mouth
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Certain medications (these include the regular use of aspirin and antihistamines)
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Teeth clenching or grinding
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Bulimia
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Brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush
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Chronic gastrointestinal acid reflux
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Chronic alcoholism
How Can I Know if I Have Enamel Erosion?
Enamel typically erodes slowly and can take years before you notice it. This makes regular dental checkups critical to prevention, early detection, and treatment. You should inform your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any of the early signs or symptoms of enamel erosion, such as:
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Changes in the color and shape of your teeth. Losing enamel can make your teeth appear yellow or shiny. Your teeth may also appear more rounded as they lose their sharper edges.
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Increased sensitivity. After a tooth loses its protective enamel, it becomes sensitive to hot, cold, and sweets. If left untreated, it can lead to severe pain and the need for a root canal treatment.
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Indentations. When teeth lose enamel, indentations or cupping occurs on the biting and chewing surfaces. This causes uneven forces on teeth when biting and accelerates the rate teeth wear out or fracture.
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Cracking and chipping. Enamel protects and strengthens teeth for biting and chewing. Your teeth can crack and chip easier once the enamel gets thinner and erodes. Cracked and chipped teeth can create dental problems such as uneven bite, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
How Can I Protect Enamel on My Teeth?
Here are several steps you can take to protect the enamel on your teeth and prevent enamel erosion.
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Eat a healthy diet with minimal acidic and sugary foods and drinks.
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Floss daily and brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle, circular motion.
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Use a fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinse.
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Talk with your dentist if you think you clench or grind your teeth.
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Drink plenty of clean water to stay hydrated each day.
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Seek medical attention for any reflux issues or eating disorders.
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Get regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning.
What Are Common Dental Restorations for Loss of Enamel?
It is vital to your oral and overall health to restore teeth affected by dental erosion. Dental restorations can bring back your smile and allow your teeth to function correctly in speech and chewing. Trident General Dentistry recommends a suitable restoration for the severity of your enamel loss. These restorations include:
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Dental bonding. Bonding restores minimal tooth erosion with a tooth-colored dental composite resin. This restoration usually requires no dental anesthetic and is a cost-effective treatment when tooth erosion is not severe.
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Inlays and onlays. A dental inlay or onlay can restore a tooth to its natural appearance and function when the erosion is moderate to severe.
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Dental crowns. Severely damaged teeth often need the restoration of all their surfaces by the placement of dental crowns. Crowns made from dental ceramics offer long-term and durable solutions for severe tooth erosion.
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Porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers cover the front of teeth with mild erosion. This treatment requires the removal of all remaining enamel on the affected teeth.
Book Appointment
If you are concerned about tooth enamel loss, contact Trident General Dentistry today for a consultation.