Tooth Erosion and Acid Wear, Are You at Risk?

Tooth erosion is serious condition that affects people of all ages. Teeth are made up of tissues, which develop from hard calcium known as enamel. This particular hard tissue has the responsibility to protect the outer layer and soft portion of teeth from all things that can cause damage. When enamel is broken, it cannot be restored for whatever reason it was damaged or removed is called tooth erosion.

If your teeth are chipped, cracked, worn down, and discoloured, your smile is undoubtedly making you look much older than you are. Because the enamel on the teeth cannot repair itself, every bit of damage over the years begins to add up. Consistent consumption of acidic soft drinks, sports drinks, sodas and fruit drinks are thought to be a major contributor to erosion in the teeth of younger people. Wine, coffee and acidic beverages are also potential causes, as are acidic foods such as tomatoes.

Other causes of erosion are related to medical conditions, including dry mouth, acid reflux disease, and other conditions that lead to frequent vomiting. Other factors - such as clenching your teeth, brushing your teeth too hard, and chewing tobacco - can also lead to tooth erosion, as can genetics.

There are several symptoms of tooth erosion and they may vary in severity. When the defensive enamel of a tooth is compromised, people will have sensitivity to extreme temperatures. As the erosion advances, the sensitivity becomes more intense. As the outer layer of your teeth, your tooth enamel determines the brightness of your smile. When light shines on your teeth, it is scattered and reflected in the enamel, creating the colour of your teeth. When this layer is lost due to erosion, discoloration or yellowish teeth will develop. In the beginning, a light yellow colour shows and it darkens at a gradual rate as the erosion worsens.

At an advanced stage, tooth erosion hinders the strength of the enamel so chips and cracks usually occur. In addition, this type of erosion can cause teeth to have rough and uneven edges. Lastly, teeth start to dent inward, or become transparent and thin, looking round in shape.

Tooth erosion results in loss of dentin that will never return. It is very important to end the problem before more damage occurs. Maintaining regular brushing routines and flossing daily are some of the things that can help to prevent further tooth erosion. In addition, scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings is important.

Do I Have Tooth Erosion?

Depending on the stage of erosion, the signs you might see in your mouth could vary. Some common signs include:

·         Jagged, irregular, or worn down teeth

·         Discoloration and staining

·         Sensitivity when eating sweet, hot, or cold food

·         Cupping, which are indentations on the surface of the teeth

How Is Tooth Erosion Treated?

The treatment of tooth enamel erosion depends on the cause.

Changing Diet; Avoiding acidic foods and drinks is the number one way to prevent tooth erosion from becoming a major issue. And even if your erosion has progressed beyond that point with some of your teeth, remember you have more teeth to protect, so reduction in acidic beverage intake is still of great importance.

Dental Bonding as there is no way to generate fresh enamel, tooth erosion must be treated by an experienced dentist with a plan for repair. Large areas of lost enamel can be covered with a dental bond. Bonding is a plastic-type resin that is placed on the outside of the tooth where the enamel was. Bonding is thought of as a cosmetic repair, often used for fixing cracked and chipped teeth, but your cosmetic dentist can cover a worn away area of enamel with a composite to help protect the tooth.

Cosmetic Dentists are able to match the colour of your teeth, and this procedure can often be done without anaesthetic. Bonding will not last as long as your original, un-eroded enamel would have, but it will serve for a period of time to protect the inner tooth, and it can be replaced as necessary.

Porcelain Veneers where extensive damage has occurred, and much of the tooth surface has been destroyed these tooth-like restorations will strengthen and protect the tooth, as well as restoring the appearance.

Ceramic Crowns if more than one surface of the tooth has been badly damaged then a crown may be necessary. There are many different types available, and recent advances in dental technology have greatly improved both the physical properties and the appearance of these restorations.

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Erosion can lead to cavities, which can penetrate the tooth and damage nerve fibres, resulting in very painful infections. Early treatment is the key to saving your teeth.

If you would like to learn more about tooth erosion and how it can be best treated, be sure to contact Lane Ends Dental Practice in Preston. The entire team dental at our practice looks forward to discussing your treatment options with you in greater detail.