fbpx

Dental Erosion: Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion and How to Fix it

Dental Erosion

Our teeth are protected by a solid and hard mineral substance known as tooth enamel. The tooth enamel covers the dentin, the second layer of the tooth, and the pulp, the centre layer of a tooth. Even though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the tooth structure and the human body, plenty of things can induce tooth enamel loss. 

 

For instance, an accident or a tough blow can chip or crack a tooth/teeth. A chipped tooth will suddenly cut off some part of tooth enamel and leave a space where the dentin and the pulp are exposed. Such injuries will most probably remove some parts of the tooth.

 

On the flip side, there are some reasons you can lose the outer enamel of your teeth over an extended period. The gradual loss of tooth enamel after a while is known as dental erosion or tooth erosion. Tooth erosion is quite threatening because the erosion process tends to be slow and unnoticeable. Continue reading to learn some causes of tooth erosion and prevent the tear of enamel from your teeth.

 

TABLE OF CONTENT

What causes erosion in teeth?

What does tooth erosion look like?

How do you fix tooth erosion?

 

What causes erosion in teeth?

To avoid tooth erosion, you must be aware of some of these factors. From excessive consumption of a particular diet, poor oral hygiene, bad lifestyle, and medical conditions to genetic reasons. Tooth erosion can be caused by:

 

  • Consuming acidic foods and drinks.

Soft drinks are everywhere around us. Not only does the high amount of sugar trigger cavities, but the high acidity in sodas and fruit juices also make your teeth more prone to tooth erosion. Some ‘healthy’ drinks are not very good for tooth enamel because of their high sugar and acidity levels.

 

  • Dry mouth or low saliva.

A dry mouth can result from certain diseases such as diabetes and stroke. For most people, a lack of saliva in their mouth can result from smoking, dehydration, and alcohol consumption. When you have insufficient saliva, the acids in your mouth can break down tooth enamel. When the tooth enamel becomes too thin, the dentin is exposed. 

 

  • Side effects from GERD and other diseases. 

Bulimia is one of the diseases that can induce enamel erosion. Those suffering from this eating disorder frequently vomit their meals to reduce or maintain their body weight. Vomiting brings acids from the stomach and erodes the teeth’ enamel. If the vomiting happens regularly, the impact on the teeth is unfavourable.

People with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) also have their teeth exposed to stomach acid from time to time. Posterior teeth usually get impacted first before the other teeth.

 

  • Side effects from certain medications.

Some medicines and vitamins are naturally too acidic for the teeth. One of the common side effects of taking medications is dry mouth. If you are on medication or taking medicines and vitamins as a routine, keep your mouth hydrated to balance the pH in your mouth.

 

  • Bruxism or teeth grinding.

Bruxism is the unconscious habit of grinding teeth when sleeping. This habit can result in tooth erosion and chipped teeth. If you grind your teeth when sleeping, get a nighttime mouthguard to protect your oral health.

 

  • Improper dental hygiene.

Some improper dental hygiene, such as brushing teeth too hard or too long, using toothpaste with too many abrasive ingredients, or not brushing teeth regularly with proper technique, can cause dental erosion. The teeth will be eroded over time, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

 

  • Genetic disorder.

Some people are born with genetic conditions that cause teeth to be tiny, pitted, grooved or discoloured. Thin tooth enamel means they become more susceptible to tooth erosion.

 

What does tooth erosion look like?

Since tooth erosion tends to happen slowly and gradually thin out the tooth enamel, it’s not easy to know when you experience it. Some symptoms of tooth erosion are:

 

  • Hypersensitive teeth.

You often feel pain if you eat or drink something cold and hot. The pain comes because teeth become more sensitive to extreme temperatures when your tooth enamel gets thinner.

 

  • Tooth discoloration.

The teeth will change colour when eroded because the dentin will be more visible. If your teeth appear yellowish, it can signify dental erosion.

 

  • Chipped or deformed teeth.

Dental erosion can change the shape of teeth. Tooth erosion can make teeth smaller, shorter, and deformed. It is one of the most obvious signs but also usually a little bit too late to handle.

 

  • Susceptible to cavities.

The thinner the enamel, the easier bacteria can gnaw and create holes in the teeth. Thus, tooth erosion promotes the risk of tooth decay.

 

How do you fix tooth erosion?

Once you realize that your teeth are thinning, it’s time to edit your habits associated with your oral health. There are some habits you can do to stop tooth erosion and treat eroded teeth, such as:

 

  • Low acidic diets.

By reducing the consumption of acidic foods and drink, the risk of tooth erosion will be much lower. You should also drink water after eating or drinking anything with high acid content.

 

  • Drink enough water.

Hydrate and keep the mouth moist to get a balanced amount of saliva. With enough saliva, your mouth can clean itself effectively, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. 

 

  • Brush your teeth properly.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush your teeth gently for two minutes. Choose a toothpaste that is safe for tooth enamel.

 

  • Cut bad habits.

Give up the habits that tend to make your mouth dry, such as smoking cigarettes and drinking an excessive amount of alcohol. If you have food sensitivity, pay attention to what makes your stomach acid rise.

 

  • Dental bonding.

Your dentist might do a dental bonding when too much of the tooth has been eroded. Bonding is a dental procedure when a tooth-coloured material known as resin is applied to stained or damaged teeth. Bonding can restore the shape of the teeth to normal and protect your tooth. 

 

Conclusion

The best way to treat dental erosion is to stop it from happening in the first place. Even if you already experience enamel erosion, good oral hygiene can prevent it from worsening. Your teeth will be protected from dental decay when you maintain a balanced diet and take care of your oral hygiene. 

Visiting your dentist every six to 12 months will help identify any dental erosion early. Schedule an appointment at Eastman Dental for a dental check-up. We can help you care for your oral health and prevent further dental erosion.

 

LATEST NEWS