The tooth’s outer layer is called the enamel, and when this layer starts to wear away gradually, we call it enamel erosion. In recent years this has been a dental issue that has touched a lot of people. The enamel layer as we said is the outer layer of the teeth and its function is to protect and defend the teeth against bacteria, infection, and external trauma. Without the protective layer of the enamel, a lot of dental issues are prone to happen. This can happen due to several factors, and some of them can be consuming acidic and sugary drinks, poor dental hygiene, chronic dry mouth, etc. If this problem progresses it can lead to dental erosion which can make teeth sensitive, discolored, and can even form cavities.
The enamel layer not only works as a protector of the teeth but also has an important role in maintaining the aesthetic appeal of our smile. If this layer of your teeth is not damaged you will have a bright and healthy smile, if it is your smile will look dull and discolored.
You need to understand what causes enamel erosion and what can be done to prevent it and in this blog post we will try to explain everything to inform you and help you take preventative measures in order to have a strong and healthy smile.
The enamel erosion can be caused by a variety of different reasons and it can result in a serious problem. The first step in preventing and reducing the impacts of enamel erosion is to understand these reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors:
As we mentioned before, tooth enamel can be damaged for several reasons and one of the most important ones is the frequent consumption of foods and drinks that contain acids. It can either be natural fruits like grapefruits, oranges, and lemons or store-bought foods and beverages like sodas, and wine, that contain a huge amount of acids in them. These foods not only cause damage to the stomach but even harm the tooth enamel. Research has found that when consumed daily and in high doses these foods will cause a reaction with the minerals in our teeth and will lead to mineralization, which over time will lead to erosion.
Medical issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease also known as GERD or acid reflux can also lead to enamel erosion. This happens because one common thing that happens in these conditions is that the stomach acid will frequently reflux into the mouth and esophagus and because this happens frequently, the enamel can suffer serious damage from repeated exposure to this acid because it is much stronger than the acids found in meals and beverages. If you suffer from digestive problems and you are diagnosed with either one of the conditions we mentioned before you are more vulnerable to enamel erosion and getting preventive care from your dentist and doctor is crucial.
We all know that sugar can damage the teeth and carbonated beverages like sodas and energy drinks are very damaging to our oral and general health. Not only are they high in sugars but they also contain bacteria that will damage the oral environment. The consumption of these drinks can accelerate enamel erosion.
While brushing your teeth is critical for your oral health, you should know that brushing them immediately after eating foods that are high in sugar and contain acid, can lead to enamel erosion. The abrasive action of the toothbrush, along with the compromised state of the enamel as a result of acid contact, might result in rapid erosion. To allow the saliva to neutralize the acids and aid in the remineralization process, it is advised to wait at least 30 minutes after consuming acidic foods or beverages before brushing.
Symptoms of enamel erosion can vary from person to person and the earlier they are diagnosed by a professional the better it is. Although the signs and symptoms of enamel erosion can vary depending on their severity and other factors, the following ones are some of the more typical:
If you notice that your tooth is more sensitive than usual, you should consider that you may be developing enamel erosion. As this happens, the underlying dentin becomes more vulnerable to damage because the main protective layer is damaged. While the tooth is exposed, hot and cold drinks, sweets and acidic substances will cause pain and discomfort.
As well as protecting the teeth from damage, the enamel also contributes to their appearance. As this layer begins to erode, the normal white color of the teeth will begin to fade, leading to a more yellowish color and making the teeth look unhealthy. If you do not take care of it, the discoloration and yellow color will be more visible over time.
Another symptom of enamel erosion can be rounded or translucent edges on your teeth. Your teeth may start to look like they are rounded, chipped, or translucent. This is because as the enamel starts to thin, the edges of your teeth become more fragile and translucent.
As we said, the enamel is the protective layer of the teeth, and if it is damaged, germs and acids can affect them more. Due to this, the teeth become more vulnerable to forming cavities and decay. Another sign of it can be the formation of a rough or uneven texture and the appearance of tiny bumps or indentations. It is important to examine your teeth carefully with a specialist if you start noticing any of these signs because everything can be prevented with early diagnosis and proper treatment.
Enamel erosion should be diagnosed by a specialist. It requires careful observation and the use of advanced tools. The dentist will first examine your teeth visually, looking for some of the signs mentioned above, such as rounded edges, yellow or discolored teeth, etc. Although signs of enamel erosion may be visible, the dentist will need to do a thorough examination to see if this is really the problem or not. It may be difficult to diagnose the condition just by looking if the damage is in its early stages.
The dentist will ask you about your dietary habits and you should be honest with them in order to understand the cause of the problem. Even the use of certain medications can cause enamel erosion, so be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Overall, to effectively diagnose enamel erosion, a thorough diagnosis and assessment, supported by new equipment, is essential.
If you suspect that you are going through enamel erosion, it is crucial to try and treat it because once it is damaged, it cannot grow back. Fortunately, there are a number of measures you can take to safeguard your teeth enamel and keep your oral health in top condition:
Try to limit your intake of foods and drinks that are high in acid and sugar, as these can lead to enamel erosion over time. You can also try to use a straw when drinking these types of drinks, as this will try to minimize contact with your teeth and reduce the risk of enamel erosion. If you do consume them, try to wait at least 30 minutes to allow the saliva to neutralize the acids and remineralize the teeth. Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming foods and drinks with a high acid or sugar content will only make the problem worse.
As we know fluoride will help with maintaining your teeth healthy and strong, so consider using oral maintenance products that contain fluoride to protect your teeth from enamel erosion. These products will make the enamel of your teeth stronger and remineralization will be encouraged.
Try to chew on sugar-free gums to encourage saliva production. This will act as a natural protector of the teeth, protecting them from the damage caused by acids and sugar. Try to find chewing gums that are sugar-free or low in sugar, in order to avoid bacteria from damaging them.
Drinking water regularly will not only help with overall health but also with oral health. The water will also wash away the acids, maintaining the normal pH level of your mouth.
Wearing a mouthguard at night helps protect the teeth from stomach acids that may enter the mouth for individuals who have acid reflux or GERD because the acids will damage the teeth.
Regular dental checkups give the chance for expert cleanings, which can eliminate plaque and tartar that contribute to enamel wear, and also allow for the early diagnosis of enamel erosion. If the condition has developed the dentist will also make the proper diagnosis and find the right treatment for you.
The use of a soft-bristled toothbrush is essential for everyone. You should brush in a round motion and in a gentle way, because if you brush aggressively with a hard-bristled toothbrush, the enamel may be damaged.
If you suffer from medical conditions that may affect your oral health you should address these issues first and talk with your dentist about them. If you manage and treat these conditions, the risk of tooth enamel erosion will be minimized.
Alcohol and caffeine can also be a factor in enamel erosion because they reduce saliva production which is a crucial component of maintaining healthy teeth. The mouth should be hydrated all the time because it will provide the neutralization of the acids.
Enamel erosion is a dental issue that can affect a lot of people and if left untreated it can lead to several other dental issues which can be more concerning. Because it plays a crucial role in your dental health, the protection of it is crucial. In this article we talk about the factors, symptoms, and causes of enamel erosion, making it easier for you to understand.
Nowadays these problems can be diagnosed easier and earlier, because of the development of new technologies in the dentistry field. Even though early diagnosis is crucial, understanding the causes of it is also important. You should try to minimize the use of foods and beverages that are high in sugar and contain acids. So trying to prevent it is the first step towards optimal oral health.
If you are already experiencing tooth enamel erosion, you should know that there are several treatments available for you, from fluoride treatments that remineralize the enamel to dental bonding and veneers for more severe cases.
Overall, we should understand that our teeth are not only there for appearance but most of all are functional teeth for our overall general health, and maintaining them in the best way possible is crucial. The protection of the enamel is a very important factor for your well-being. Maining and protecting your enamel by having regular dental check-ups, a balanced diet, and good oral hygiene practices.
