Symptoms of Enamel Erosion, Its Causes, and Prevention

Tooth enamel is a thin outer layer that covers the tooth. It protects the teeth against any damage. It covers the crown, the part that is visible outside the gums. The enamel is translucent and is prone to wearing out since it is exposed to chemicals from the foods and drinks we eat. The enamel gets exposed to these agents while protecting your teeth from being attacked by these chemicals. It is tough, and it’s the hardest tissue in the body.

The tearing of the enamel is referred to as enamel erosion. You can not repair enamel erosion on your own. Instead, visit our dentist at Emerald Dental Spa in Union, NJ, for better treatment of your enamel problems. Do not let your enamel erosion prevent you from having a beautiful smile. We are here to solve your problem. Here you’ll get knowledge about some of the symptoms, causes, and prevention of enamel erosion.

Symptoms of Enamel Erosion

Signs and symptoms of enamel erosion vary depending on the stage of the erosion. If you experience some of these symptoms listed below, don’t hesitate to visit a dentist near you for treatment. They include;

• Sensitivity: You may experience some pain while taking sugary things like sweets and too cold or too hot food and beverages. This usually happens during the early stage of erosion.
• Your teeth get discolored. They get a yellow color that is due to the exposure of the dentin. This affects your aesthetic appearance.
• You get grooves on the tooth’s surface
• The teeth become chipped or cracked.

When the erosion prolongs, it can lead to these complications:

• Tooth decay is amplified
• Your teeth become rough at the edges
• The appearance of shiny spots on the teeth
• The teeth are overly sensitive
• You get fractured teeth

Causes of Tooth Erosion

• Occupational Hazards: Those working in factories, especially in sectors like fertilizer plants, batteries, and munitions, are at high risk of getting enamel erosion. This is due to the chemicals that they encounter while working. Also, chlorinated water cause erosion to those swimmers that swim for long hours. Chlorinated water has low pH that leads to gradual erosion to people who use it frequently.
• Foods and beverages with low pH value: Your enamel starts to demineralize when you take foods or drinks with a pH lower than 5.5. When you expose your mouth to low pH substances for too long, it leads to a cavity. This causes bacteria to grow together with other oral problems like sensitivity in teeth.
• Taking some certain medicines: Some medicines are acidic. Medications like blood pressure medications, antacids, and pain medications might cause tooth decay. Also, antidepressants cause dry mouth that is decreased salivary flow in the mouth.Therefore, it’s not advisable to chew or have direct contact with these medicines for a long period.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol: People who take alcohol in large amounts, experience vomiting especially if they take the drink when they haven’t eaten. This leads to excessive reflux of acids in the stomach. In addition, people who take highly acidic alcohol are prone to getting dental erosion.

How to Prevent Enamel Erosion

If you’ve been experiencing enamel erosion, our dentist in 07083, Union, NJ, will treat you and help you with some techniques. Our dentist will take you through a tooth bonding procedure where a resin is applied to the damaged teeth. The resin protects your teeth. Also, there are some preventative measures that you can take to prevent your enamel from being damaged.

• Practicing proper dental hygiene: By brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using enamel hardening toothpaste, you will maintain good oral hygiene. Also, it is good to replace your toothbrush after three months for better cleaning of your teeth.
• Visit preventive dentistry near you every half a year or less for a check-up to arrest any oral damage early.
• Avoid unhealthy diets. Avoid foods and beverages that can damage your enamel.The unhealthy diet includes:
  • taking too many sugary things like sweets and chocolates
  • Taking sodas and sports drinks
  • Consumption of excessive alcohol
• Chew sugarless gum to keep your saliva flowing. It helps keep acids under control hence protecting your teeth.
• After every meal, rinse your mouth with water, and if the meal had some acid, drink milk. Calcium-rich foods help in neutralizing acids.