Tooth enamel is one of the most essential parts of the teeth; however, a majority of individuals overlook it. They provide the first line of defence against wear and tear. However, once you lose the tooth enamel, the effects are far more than oral health; it can affect your overall health.
What Is Tooth Enamel?
Tooth enamel is the outer, clear, hard surface of the top of every tooth. It is a protective covering that is mostly made of mineral, especially calcium phosphate, and protects more vulnerable inner structures of your teeth, the dentine and pulp, against attack, bacteria, and variations in temperature. The tooth enamel, as opposed to other cells in your body, never contains any living cells and, therefore, once removed or lost, cannot naturally be replaced by your body.
Understanding Tooth Enamel Erosion
Tooth erosion is a condition that takes place when the tooth enamel starts to be worn away by acids. This causes it to be thinned down as time goes by. The condition is very common among the youth and the elderly in Australia. Exposing your teeth to acidic substances softens and makes the mineral structure of the enamel vulnerable to wear. Over time, the chemical reaction literally eats away the enamel, which ultimately leaves your teeth susceptible to many dental problems.
The major culprits that erode your teeth enamel include some of the acidic foods and drinks (soft drinks, citrus fruits, and wine), acid reflux, some drugs, over tooth grinding, and overuse of toothpastes that contain abrasives. Other environmental factors that can facilitate the rate of erosion include dry mouth, which diminishes the natural protective properties of saliva.
Recognising the Signs of Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel loss can be avoided at the early stages and help prevent more serious complications. The signs of enamel erosion are typically difficult to identify in the first place. However, some of the common indicators include:
- Teeth Sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity is the most common symptom that can be noticed first. Eating hot, cold, sweet, or acidic food and beverages causes sharp, painful pains. The reason is that when the enamel is eroded, it exposes the dentine, which contains microscopic tubules that connect to the nerve centre of the tooth.
- Discolouration of the Enamel
Since the white enamel that coats your teeth is weakening, they may turn more yellow or discoloured, with the natural yellow dentine surface exposed. You might notice your teeth becoming more permeable, particularly at the edges or developing small dents and rough surfaces.
Other warning signs are increased tooth decay, chips or cracks being more noticeable, or a change in your bite or teeth fitting together.
How Enamel Loss Impacts Your Oral Health.
The effects of tooth enamel erosion trickle down your entire oral health system, resulting in a ripple effect of potential problems:
- Increased Tooth Decay
The bacteria are able to attack your teeth more easily without the protective layer of enamel, leading to cavities faster. This normally causes more frequent tooth fillings and restorations to be done. The fact that the tooth structure is weakened provides a home to the bacteria that cause decay, particularly in the hard-to-reach areas.
- Heightened Sensitivity and Discomfort
The chronic teeth sensitivity associated with loss of enamel could have a significant effect on your life. Even simple pleasures like drinking hot coffee or enjoying ice cream are no longer enjoyable. This sensitivity is attributed to the fact that the exposed dentine offers a more direct response as the stimulus is transmitted to the nerve of the tooth and pain is produced.
- Weaknesses and Damage to the Structural
Enamel loss causes structural weakening of the teeth, exposing them to chipping, cracking, or breaking. This might need a more comprehensive intervention, like crowns and bridges, to restore the functionality and support of the left tooth structure. The most severe scenario may also lead to the development of a dental emergency that will have to be addressed by a professional within the shortest time possible.
- Aesthetic Concerns
Enamel erosion has other consequences, such as the appearance of your smile. Colour changes, clarity, and non-uniformity of surfaces may affect your self-esteem and confidence, and this may impact your social and business life.
- Bite Problems and TMJ Issues
When there is a lot of enamel erosion, your bite will be different as the teeth will be worn out in an uneven manner. It may result in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that causes jaw pain and headaches, as well as the inability to chew.
Tooth Erosion Treatment Options
Although you cannot replace lost enamel naturally, there are several treatment options that can be used to treat the situation and prevent further damage:
- Professional teeth cleaning removes the built-up plaque and tartar that may accelerate the erosion of the enamel despite your dentist monitoring the process and providing defensive fluoride treatments.
- Dental bonding and tooth fillings might be used to repair minor enamel damage and restore teeth. They use composite materials to restore worn areas and maintain the exposed dentine to improve the appearance.
- Crown and bridges provide a variety of protection and repair for more vital damage. Crowns cover up the damaged teeth entirely, preventing any further erosion and also restoring functionality and attractiveness.
- Fluoride treatment provides solidity of the remaining enamel and can be used to restore tooth enamel at its initial stages of erosion. Prescription fluoride toothpaste or in-office applications may be suggested by your dentist.
- Root canal treatment could only be required in instances where an erosion occurs, such that it causes severe sensitivity or where the nerve of the tooth has been destroyed.
How to Fix Enamel Erosion and Prevent Further Damage?
It is important to know how to make tooth enamel stronger and prevent further loss:
- Dietary changes are the most significant – Avoid taking acidic foods and beverages. Use a straw while taking them to make the least amount of contact with your teeth as possible. Wash your mouth later, but leave a space of at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth because you can destroy the softened enamel with acids.
- Good Oral Care – Effective oral care would entail the use of a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Brush with a gentle circular motion instead of brushing the teeth with a vigorous back-and-forth motion. Your dentist may prescribe toothpaste that is specifically designed to be used on sensitive teeth.
- Increase the saliva Production – Increase the amount of saliva produced by ensuring that the level of hydration remains high and chewing sugar-free gum, as saliva contains the natural power of neutralising the acids and re-mineralising the enamel.
- Control underlying causes, e.g., acid reflux or grinding – A night guard can also be prescribed to you by your dentist when he assumes that you grind your teeth during the night.
- Dental Check-ups – Regular dental examinations will assist the dentist in detecting any evidence of dental erosions at an early stage.
Conclusion
Tooth enamel is permanent, and therefore its protection is vital to lifetime oral health. In the event that you notice the effects of enamel erosion or experience tooth sensitivity, you do not have to wait until the situation deteriorates. Our Carrum Downs Dental Group has skilled staff who understand how to restore enamel erosion and would provide complete treatment for tooth erosion, depending on your specific needs. Our mission is to ensure that you enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile regardless of whether you are seeking preventive treatment, tooth fillings, crowns, bridges, or emergency dental treatment. Call Carrum Downs Dental Group today to receive a thorough examination and discuss how we can protect and restore your smile in the coming years.
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Tooth Enamel Erosion-Causes, Prevention and Treatment