Tooth erosion is when your enamel (the outer, protective layer of your teeth) wears thin. Dental erosion, or tooth erosion, is a common problem that can occur at any age.
When your tooth enamel becomes thin, it weakens your teeth and makes them more vulnerable to stains, sensitivity and cavities.
Left untreated, tooth erosion will continue to wear away the underlying layers of your teeth. this process happens slowly. If you’ve already lost some enamel, there are ways to halt tooth
erosion before it worsens.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person.
Teeth sensitivity.
Tooth discoloration.
Chipped teeth.
Pitting on your teeth surfaces.
As enamel erosion worsens (eats through more layers of your teeth), you may start to develop pain. As it gets closer to your tooth pulp (which contains nerves), you’ll likely experience more discomfort.
Causes
Many different factors can cause tooth erosion. Possible risk factors include:
Consuming sugary, starchy or acidic foods and beverages/cold drinks
Brushing too hard. (This is particularly true for people with tooth erosion at the gum line.)
Teeth grinding (bruxism).
GERD (chronic acid reflux).
Dry mouth (xerostomia).
Long-term use of certain medications like antihistamines (which can slow saliva production).
Genetic disorders like enamel hypoplasia (where you’re born with little to no tooth enamel).
Bulimia nervosa (which exposes your teeth to stomach acid).
Management and Treatment
A dentist can diagnose tooth erosion during a routine dental examination. They’ll check for wear and tear, texture changes, pitting. They may also take dental X-rays to determine the extent of damage.
Enamel erosion treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Topical fluoride is the most common treatment for early-stage enamel erosion. Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel and stop erosion from getting worse. It can’t reverse tooth erosion, though. (You can’t regrow enamel once it’s gone.)
If you have more advanced tooth erosion, your dentist may recommend:
Dental bonding.
Veneers.
Dental crowns.
Tooth erosion usually happens slowly over time. But left untreated, it can lead to several
complications, including:
Yellow or stained teeth.
Tooth decay.
Rough or jagged edges on your teeth.
Broken or cracked teeth.
Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to tooth erosion. Since you can’t regrow enamel once it’s gone, the best rule of thumb is to stop it before it starts.
To reduce your risk of tooth erosion:
Use fluoride toothpaste.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Floss your teeth once a day.
Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages.
Rinse your mouth out with water between snacks and meals.
Wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after eating. This gives your saliva time to
wash away the acids in your mouth. Brushing too soon after eating can be too abrasive,
and it may damage your enamel.
Avoid eating within three hours of bedtime.
Reduce your intake of beverages that contain alcohol.
Chew sugar-free gum after meals to boost saliva production.
See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Rochelle P. D. Sequeira,
ward 16