Tooth Erosion and Enamel Tooth Wear
What is tooth erosion?
Tooth erosion is the permanent loss of the outer layer of teeth. The hard protective outer enamel layer is dissolved by chemical reaction with acids rather than plaque bacteria. Once the enamel has dissolved away, the inner softer dentine layer begins to dissolve at a quicker rate.
What are the symptoms of tooth erosion?
As the enamel wears away, the teeth appear yellower because of the underlying dentine. The teeth can appear shiny with rounded edges. The front teeth can appear see through with transparent edges. The biting edges can be chipped and uneven. There can also be small hollowed out pits on the tooth surface, often on back molar and premolar teeth. Fillings in back teeth can often appear higher than the surrounding tooth structure.
As the enamel layer thins, teeth can become sensitive to hot and cold drinks and foods. Teeth sensitivity is usually short sharp pain lasting seconds.
What are tooth erosion causes?
The most common cause is acids in the diet. Fizzy drinks, carbonated water, lemon water, fruit juices, smoothies, and alcohol can all cause tooth erosion. Acidic foods such as citrus, oranges and lemons, vinegar coated salads can cause tooth erosion too.
Acid from the stomach is also a cause of tooth erosion. Conditions such as gastric reflux, frequent vomiting or eating disorders bring up acid from the stomach causing tooth erosion.
What are the treatments of tooth erosion?
Once enamel has been lost it does not grow back. Fluoride treatments by the dentist can help strengthen the remaining enamel. Uneven surfaces can be repaired using dental composite bonding. a modern conservative technique of repairing a tooth without drilling the tooth. Teeth severely damaged may need veneers or crowns. However veneers and crowns are more costly than dental composite bonding and also require drilling of the tooth.
How to prevent tooth erosion?
Good dietary habits by avoiding acidic foods and drinks is a simple way of avoiding tooth erosion, particularly at night. Consuming any acidic drinks using a wide bore straw will help reduce there exposure to the teeth, helping to prevent tooth erosion.
Wait at least 30–60 minutes after consuming dietary acidic drinks and foods or vomiting, to brush your teeth. Acids soften the enamel, making it more vulnerable to tooth erosion. Brushing it during this weakened stage will wash away the minerals sitting on the tooth surface.
Use a fluoride mouthwash immediately after acid exposure, to neutralise acids. The fluoride will also help to protect the teeth and strengthen enamel. Otherwise rinse with water to neutralise the acids.
Chew sugar-free gum after meals, to promote saliva flow that will help neutralise the acids.
Tooth erosion vs Tooth decay?
Unlike tooth decay, which is caused by sugary bacteria, erosion is entirely acid-driven. Diet fizzy drinks may ave no sugar but they are still acidic. Therefore, whilst they are less likely to cause tooth decay, they will still damage teeth by erosion.
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At Dentael, we’re here to help with treating dental problems, including tooth erosion, tooth decay, jaw problems and more. Our dentist has 30 years experience dedicated to providing high quality dental care for patients of all ages. She is a long standing member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England,as well as the British Dental Association.
Our modern dental clinic is based in Ealing Perivale Greenford and is ideally located for residents, workers and students in West London and Middlesex. Easy to get to from Hanwell, Northolt, Southall, Wembley, Harrow, Hayes, Hounslow and surrounding areas, with street free parking. If you have concerns about your teeth, or maybe you’re unaware you have tooth erosion, we’re here to help. So book your dental appointment.
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