DENTAL EROSION: CAUSES AND CURE – ELITE DENTAL CARE TRACY

Dental erosion is the wearing away of the enamel due to acidic exposure on the teeth. It is also called the enamel erosion as the enamel of the tooth gets dissolved. Erosion is mainly due to the harmful acids in the mouth released or formed due to improper food habits. The various causes of dental erosion, and how to cure them are discussed below.

WHAT IS ENAMEL?
Enamel is the outer surface of the teeth. It is quite tough and is the strongest tissue in the human body, even stronger than the bones. It is composed of calcium and is hard. Being the outermost and the strongest layer of the teeth enamel acts as the protective layer for the teeth and the inner soft tissues. It acts as a defense for the teeth against the major chemical and physical damages.

WHAT IS ENAMEL EROSION?
Being the outermost defensive layer enamel is always exposed to wear and tear. Harmful acids released from the foods attack the enamel coating of the teeth and damage them. As a result, the tooth enamel wears away, and the saddest part is that the enamel does not regrow. When the enamel wears away, the inner tissues of the teeth, dentin and the tooth root get exposed to acids and damage. This leads to tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ENAMEL EROSION?
There are varied symptoms of enamel erosion, some of them include
• Discoloration of the teeth as the white enamel layer gets worn away.
• Teeth sensitivity because the dentin and tooth roots get exposed to acids.
• Cracked and chipped teeth

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES FOR ENAMEL EROSION?
A few of the causes for dental or enamel erosion include
1. IMPROPER DIET
The acids in the foods and drinks that you consume are the prime causes of enamel erosion. Saliva produced in the mouth acts as a defense agent against these acids and bacteria. But when the mouth becomes dry or when you consume foods and drinks that are too much acidic, the salivary defense gets defeated, and enamel eroded. Also, if you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly and properly, these acids stay on enamel for long and damage it.
Consumption of sugary foods such as candies, ice creams; starchy foods such as white bread; citrus fruits wears away the enamel. Consumption of acidic beverages, carbonated drinks, soda and wine damage the enamel to a considerable extent.

2. REGURGITATION
The stomach produces acids to digest and dissolve the food and drinks consumed. The acid produced is so strong that is can potentially dissolve the bones and teeth as well. Due to gastrointestinal issues, the content of the stomach regurgitates and reach the mouth. These acids react with the enamel and damage it. Regurgitation and repetitive vomiting due to the gastro defects lead to erosion of the enamel.
The erosion usually affects the back surfaces of the teeth initially, turning to yellow color. It is indicative that the enamel has worn away, exposing the dentin tissue to the acids. This leads to pain and sensitivity when you consume hot and cold foods and drinks.

3. LOW SALIVARY FLOW

When the saliva flow is low in the mouth, it is known as Xerostomia disorder. Saliva is the defense agent in the mouth against the acids and bacteria. When the salivary production gets reduced, the acids stay longer and wear away the enamel and the dentin.

4. TEETH GRINDING

Grinding of teeth unconsciously or while in sleep is known as Bruxism disorder. It is considered to be a nervous disorder when someone grinds the teeth and damages the enamel.

HOW CAN THE TREATMENT & REPAIR OF ENAMEL BE DONE?
By following a few simple steps in your regular life, you can prevent enamel erosion and protect your natural teeth.

1. Whenever you consume sugary, starchy, or acidic foods and drinks, rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash to prevent the accumulation of acids in the mouth.
2. Brush and floss your teeth every day by following the correct procedure to remove the acid and food residues stuck in between the teeth and below the gumline.
3. Drink plenty of water to keep the mouth hydrated and increase salivary production.
4. Wear a mouthguard to safeguard the teeth and the enamel against the grinding of teeth.
5. Do not over-consume alcohol and give up on smoking.
6. Try to get your gastro defects treated at the earliest to avoid dental damages.
7. Consume calcium and fiber-rich foods to strengthen your teeth’ enamel.
8. Practice the best dental hygiene to protect your natural set of teeth.

Follow the above steps to keep your teeth enamel intact and prevent dental defects. If you are experiencing teeth sensitivity or feel pain in your teeth, visit The Elite Dental Care at the earliest. We are committed to treating your dental defects and protect your dental health.