Tooth enamel erosion is when the outer protective layer of the teeth wears away. Enamel cannot be restored once it is worn down, but measures can be taken to stop erosion before the condition worsens.
The best way to prevent enamel erosion is to maintain proper oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly.
What is Tooth Enamel?
Enamel is the thin outer layer of the tooth. This strong layer is the hardest tissue in the human body. Enamel covers the crown, which is the part of the tooth visible above the gums. Because enamel is semi-transparent, light can pass through it. However, the main part of the tooth, dentin, which determines the tooth’s color, is white, off-white, gray, or yellowish. Sometimes coffee, tea, cola, red wine, fruit juices, and cigarettes stain the enamel.
Regular dental visits for cleaning and polishing can help remove most surface stains and maintain healthy teeth.
What Does Tooth Enamel Do?
Enamel protects teeth during chewing, biting, crunching, and grinding. It also insulates teeth from extreme temperatures and chemicals.
When it breaks down, you may notice increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods, drinks, and sweets, as they can pass through the enamel into the nerves inside.
What is Tooth Enamel Erosion?
Erosion occurs when acids wear away tooth enamel. When enamel becomes thin, it weakens teeth and makes them more susceptible to staining, sensitivity, and cavities.
If left untreated, erosion will continue to wear away the lower layers of the teeth (dentin and pulp). The good news is that this process happens slowly. If you have already lost part of the enamel, there are ways to stop erosion before the condition worsens.
How Common is Erosion?
Tooth enamel erosion can affect anyone. It is common in all age groups and can affect both primary teeth in children and permanent teeth in adults.
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms vary from person to person.
Early signs of enamel erosion may include:
• Tooth sensitivity;
• Changes in tooth color;
• Chipping of teeth;
• Pits on the surface of teeth.
As it progresses (with more layers of teeth being eroded), you may start to feel pain. When erosion reaches the pulp of the tooth (which contains nerves), the patient may experience greater discomfort.
What Causes Tooth Erosion?
Tooth erosion can be caused by many factors:
• Consumption of sugary, starchy, or acidic foods and drinks;
• Brushing teeth too aggressively (especially for people with erosion along the gum line);
• Teeth grinding (bruxism);
• GERD (chronic acid reflux);
• Dry mouth (xerostomia);
• Long-term use of certain medications, such as antihistamines, which can slow saliva production;
• Genetic conditions, such as enamel hypoplasia (when a child is born with little or no enamel on their teeth);
• Nervous bulimia, when teeth are exposed to stomach acid;
• Alcohol abuse.
Does Plaque Cause Enamel Erosion?
Plaque is a sticky film made of saliva, food particles, bacteria, and other substances. Plaque forms between teeth and in tiny pits or grooves in the teeth. It also accumulates around cavity fillings and along the gum line where teeth and gums meet. Sometimes bacteria in plaque convert food starches into acids. When this happens, the acids in the plaque begin to dissolve the beneficial minerals in tooth enamel. This leads to enamel wearing away and the formation of pits. Over time, pits in the enamel grow larger.
What Are the Complications of Tooth Enamel Erosion?
Tooth enamel erosion usually occurs slowly over time. But if left untreated, it can lead to several complications, including:
• Yellow or discolored teeth;
• Cavities;
• Rough or uneven tooth edges;
• Broken or cracked teeth.
How is Tooth Enamel Erosion Diagnosed?
A dentist can diagnose tooth erosion during a routine dental examination. X-rays may also be ordered to determine the extent of the damage.
Treatment
Treatment for enamel erosion depends on its severity. Topical fluoride application is the most common method for treating early-stage enamel erosion.
Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent further deterioration. However, it cannot restore tooth enamel.
If you have more advanced enamel erosion, a dentist may recommend:
• Dental bonding (restoration of a tooth using composite materials);
• Veneers;
• Dental crowns.
Is Tooth Enamel Erosion Serious?
If left untreated, tooth erosion can lead to serious consequences:
• Hypersensitivity to heat, cold, and sweets;
• Exposure of dentin, increasing the risk of cavities;
• Tooth loss.
Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to tooth erosion. Since enamel cannot be restored, the best rule is to prevent erosion.
To reduce the risk of tooth erosion:
• Use fluoride toothpaste;
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day;
• Use dental floss once a day;
• Limit consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks;
• Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning;
• Drink more water throughout the day if you have low saliva flow or dry mouth;
• Use a soft toothbrush and avoid brushing too hard;
• Wait at least an hour before brushing teeth after consuming acidic foods or drinks, as they soften enamel and make it more prone to damage from brushing;
• Treat conditions such as bulimia, alcoholism, or GERD.
When to See a Dentist
You should visit the dentist regularly to maintain optimal oral health. Some people need visits every six months. Others may need more frequent check-ups, especially those prone to enamel erosion, cavities, or gum disease.
Additionally, you should schedule a dental appointment whenever you experience tooth sensitivity or any visible signs of enamel erosion, such as chipping, pits, or color changes. Early treatment can prevent further deterioration of your teeth.
Tooth enamel erosion usually occurs slowly. If you do not know what to look for, you may not recognize the symptoms. That is why regular dental check-ups are so important. When dentists can detect and treat tooth erosion at an early stage, there is a much higher chance of preventing cavities, infections, and other problems. Ask your dentist how often you should have check-ups and cleanings. Preventive care can save you time and money and prevent long-term issues. The experts at YAREMA DENTAL Clinic are always ready to help you.