Tooth erosion occurs when the outer layer of your teeth starts wearing off due to age or other underlying factors, such as teeth grinding or consuming excessive amounts of acidic foods. The enamel is generally robust, but it can weaken and wear down over time. When this happens, your teeth are no longer protected from staining or harmful bacteria that can cause cavities. However, tooth erosion can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting the dentist regularly.
If your teeth develop intrinsic stains or become overly sensitive, a competent dentist can diagnose and recommend treatment for tooth erosion.
An Overview of Tooth Erosion
Natural teeth are generally strong and beautiful due to the enamel, the outer layer that protects them from damage. The enamel also resists staining, keeping your smile beautiful for years. This outer layer also remineralizes itself from the foods you consume and the products you use for regular teeth cleaning. The remineralization makes it stronger and more resistant to cavity-causing bacteria. However, your enamel can slowly wear out, leaving your teeth weak and prone to staining and damage. Tooth erosion is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. The rate of damage to your enamel depends on what you consume and how well you care for your teeth.
Typically, tooth erosion occurs gradually over time. The outer layer of your teeth, which is the teeth’s main protective layer, wears down. This can be due to mechanical forces or chemicals. When it starts to happen, the enamel thins out, weakening your teeth and making them sensitive to heat or cold. The inner layer of your teeth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. The dentin is not very strong and is easily stained. Thus, you will notice a change in your teeth’s appearance once the enamel starts thinning out. The stains on the dentin are usually not easily removed through regular toothbrushing.
Tooth erosion should be addressed as soon as it is diagnosed. This is because it puts you at risk of cavities, permanent stains on your teeth, and other dental conditions, such as pain and discomfort, that affect your teeth’s functionality. Once your enamel starts eroding, it continues until much of your teeth’s strong part is lost. Since the process is usually slow, you can stop the erosion before so much damage occurs to your teeth. With the help of a skilled dentist, you can halt the erosion, remove stains or discoloration from your teeth, and remineralize your enamel to strengthen it.
Keep in mind that this condition can affect people of all ages, including children and teenagers. Children and teenagers are most affected because they have not yet learned how to care for their teeth properly. Tooth erosion can also affect adults who fail to practice good oral hygiene habits or those who habitually clench or grind their teeth. If you consume more sugary foods and do not practice good oral hygiene habits, the acid produced when sugars combine with harmful bacteria can slowly weaken your teeth’s enamel. Consuming excess acidic foods can also gradually weaken the enamel, putting you at risk of tooth erosion.
The Causes of Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion can occur for various reasons. Here are some of the common risk factors, and how they weaken and wear down your teeth:
Sugary, Starchy, and Acidic Foods
Generally, what you eat or drink affects your health, including your oral health. Oral bacteria react differently to the different types of foods you consume. Like any other bacteria, oral bacteria will respond quickly to sugary and starchy foods. When the two combine, they cause a chemical reaction that produces a powerful acid that slowly weakens and damages your teeth. If you regularly consume sugar and starchy foods, your risk of tooth erosion is generally high.
Additionally, the acid in acidic foods and beverages can weaken and damage your teeth over time.
Improper Brushing Techniques
How you brush your teeth also contributes to the health and strength of your teeth. Dentists recommend a toothbrush with soft bristles as it is gentle on the teeth and gums. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush may cause irreversible damage to your teeth, weakening the enamel and increasing your risk of cavities.
Also, your brushing techniques should be favorable to protect your teeth from damage. If you brush too hard, you put more pressure on the enamel, which may weaken over time.
Teeth Grinding or Bruxism
People who habitually grind their teeth are at a higher risk of tooth erosion. This is due to the relentless pressure and friction this habit places on the teeth. It causes your enamel to weaken and wear down quickly, exposing the dentin beneath it. Bruxism is generally an unconscious habit, meaning that you do not have much control over how much pressure you put on your teeth, especially while sleeping.
Chronic Acid Reflux, or GERD
If you have GERD, or a chronic digestive disorder whereby your stomach contents and acid repeatedly flow back into the oesophagus, your risk of tooth erosion could be high. The repeated reflux of stomach acid into the mouth can gradually weaken your teeth’s enamel, causing it to wear down and resulting in sensitivity and cavities.
Dry Mouth or Xerostomia
Your saliva plays a critical role in the mouth, which includes protecting your teeth from damage by harmful bacteria. The saliva also cleanses your mouth from stuck foods, lowering your risk of cavities and gum disease. If you have a dry mouth, there is usually insufficient saliva in your mouth to protect the teeth. The small amount of saliva will not wash away all stuck foods in your mouth, neutralize acids, or remineralize your enamel. This is what puts you at risk of acidic attacks that weaken and damage the teeth’s structures.
Long-Term Use of Some Medications
There are medications that, if used for an extended period, can weaken your teeth, leading to tooth erosion. Examples of these medications are antihistamines, which reduce the production of saliva in the mouth. Remember that you need sufficient saliva to cleanse your mouth, remineralize your teeth, and neutralize acid in the mouth. A medication that lowers the production of saliva puts you at risk of tooth erosion.
Genetic Disorders
Some people are born with little or no enamel. These people are more predisposed to tooth erosion than the others.
The Symptoms of Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion is not something you feel or notice; it happens slowly, unnoticed, until much of your teeth’s enamel is lost. However, there are symptoms you should be aware of. You should visit your dentist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Once at the dentist’s office, they will examine your teeth, gums, and underlying structures to determine the cause of your symptoms and the proper treatment. Here are some of the indications of enamel erosion:
Tooth Sensitivity
This is when you experience pain or discomfort when you drink or eat something cold or hot. Sensitivity generally indicates that the underlying structures of your tooth are exposed. Naturally, these structures are usually protected by the enamel. Once the enamel wears down, the protection is no longer there, and you can feel the exposure when eating or brushing your teeth.
Tooth Discoloration
Remember that although the enamel is usually whiter than the dentin, it does not easily stain. The stains and discoloration on the enamel can be easily removed through regular brushing of the teeth and professional teeth cleaning. When your teeth’s appearance begins to change and does not improve with regular brushing, the enamel may have worn out, exposing the dentin. The dentin is usually not as white as the enamel, and is easily stained. The stains on the dentin are challenging to clean out. You should consult your dentist immediately if you notice any changes in your teeth.
Chipping Teeth
Enamel erosion can cause your teeth to chip or appear chipped. It starts with the weakening of the enamel, which begins to wear away gradually from one point to the rest. You may notice chipping on one or more of your teeth, which should not be ignored. Your dentist will begin treatment immediately to save the affected teeth from weakening or exposing their underlying structures.
If left untreated, enamel erosion can penetrate through more layers of your teeth, causing you pain and discomfort. If it gets closer to the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels, you will experience extreme discomfort, especially when biting or chewing. Complications may arise if you leave it untreated for prolonged periods. The complications may include the following:
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Tooth decay or cavities
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Stained or yellow teeth
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Jagged or rough edges on the teeth
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Cracked or broken teeth
Diagnosis and Treatment of Tooth Erosion
Your dentist can diagnose tooth erosion during regular dental checkups or when you visit their office with one or more of the symptoms listed above. They will examine your teeth for wear and tear, and check for any changes in the texture or appearance of your teeth. A dentist can order an X-ray examination to find out the extent of your tooth damage.
If you are diagnosed with tooth erosion, the dentist will recommend treatment depending on the extent of damage your teeth have sustained. Fortunately, there are various treatments available to restore your tooth’s structure and prevent further damage.
Fluoride treatment is the primary treatment for tooth erosion. It involves the application of a concentrated fluoride gel, varnish, or foam by a skilled dentist to strengthen and remineralize the enamel. The dentist determines how and where to apply the treatment, depending on the extent of tooth erosion and the number of affected teeth. Once your enamel is remineralized and strengthened, it becomes more resistant to acid attack, reducing your risk of cavities. Remineralized enamel also becomes stronger and more resistant to chipping or breakage. The procedure is quick and safe, and can be done periodically as recommended by your dentist.
However, fluoride treatment is beneficial in cases of mild to moderate tooth erosion. In cases of advanced tooth erosion, a more advanced treatment is recommended. Your dentist may recommend any of the following, depending on the nature of the damage to your tooth and the expected results:
Dental Bonding
In this treatment, the dentist uses a tooth-coloured material to restore the shape and structure of the affected tooth. The material used is primarily composed of composite resin, as it resembles and feels like a natural tooth. The thin material is applied to the affected tooth, and hardened using a special light. The dentist polishes or smoothens it for the final look. This is an excellent treatment for cracked, chipped, or discoloured teeth. It will restore your natural look and smile after severe tooth erosion.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin, customized shells, made from composite or porcelain, that dentists use to cover imperfections on natural teeth. Dentists use the same procedure for placing dental bonding as they do for placing veneers. Veneers enhance the appearance of your teeth, covering imperfections to restore your smile and boost your confidence. You can repair stains, chips, and minor breaks on your teeth caused by tooth erosion.
Dental Crowns
Your dentist will recommend a dental crown if you have severe tooth damage due to tooth erosion. If only a small part of the tooth is left after damage, the dentist can reinforce it using a dental crown to restore its look, shape, and strength. A dental crown is placed on top of a damaged tooth, covering the imperfection and restoring its structure.
Find a Competent Dentist Near Me
If you experience pain or sensitivity in your teeth, or your teeth are stained or discolored, you could have tooth erosion. You should see a dentist immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are diagnosed with tooth erosion in Encino, some treatments can restore the strength and functionality of your affected teeth.
At Lasting Impressions Dental Spa, we recommend treatment tailored to the nature and extent of the damage to your teeth. Fluoride treatment will be effective in cases of minor erosion. If your teeth are already severely damaged, we can recommend a restoration procedure that fits your preferences and budget. Please call us at 818-751-5100 to discuss your treatment options and our services in more detail.
