Whenever
one examines their smile while looking in their bathroom mirror, they hopefully
like what it is they see. However, even for natural teeth that are both white
and straight, it’s entirely possible for teeth to be enduring dental erosion
right below the surface, and when this happens, it’s best to act quickly to
avert any damage that might take place. If you’re not sure whether your teeth
have any dental erosion, then all you need to do is follow our simple guide right
here to learn a bit more.
When
it starts, erosion affects the teeth’s outer enamel layer, which is the hardest
material in the human body and the first defense against tooth decay. Because
of this, when the enamel starts wearing away, the teeth become susceptible to
damage via bacteria and plaque. Unfortunately, once enamel erodes, it doesn't
regenerate—hence why it's crucial to protect the teeth against erosion.
Types of Erosion
The teeth
can suffer from two different erosion types: intrinsic or extrinsic. Regarding Intrinsic
erosion, this is caused by acids from conditions like acid reflux and anorexia.
For extrinsic erosion, this happens when acids lowering the body's overall pH
levels enter the body through drink and food choices, including carbonated
drinks, sugary snacks, sodas, wine, and fruit juices, all of which make the
saliva acidic.
Symptoms of Erosion
The
most important first step in resolving an erosion problem is recognizing the
symptoms, some of which can be found below:
1. Tooth
discoloration
:
The enamel of your teeth is white whereas dentin, which is the
sensitive layer of tissue located under the enamel, has a yellow color, so if your
teeth have developed a yellowish tint, this could be from lost enamel.
2. Tooth
appearance
:
The teeth may look smaller or thinner than usual, and the
lower part of the front teeth may appear transparent rather than opaque—each of
these conditions would indicate erosion of the enamel.
3. Tooth
sensitivity
:
Eat or drink something cold, hot, sweet, or sour, and you may
feel shooting pains in your teeth. As enamel is worn away, your sensitive
dentin layer becomes vulnerable and can cause pain.
Once a
dentist has diagnosed dental erosion, several methods are available to counter
it. Firstly, reevaluate your diet, as sugary and acidic foods are main causes of
erosion. However, should the enamel erosion be severe, procedures like bonding,
veneers, or crowns can help fix the issue.
Long-Term Effects of
Erosion
While
it's important to deal with immediate erosion-based issues, you also need to consider
the potential long-term effects these issues can have on your health. Poor oral
healthcare routines can result in gingivitis—the first step toward
periodontitis or gum disease, which leads to a variety of other problems beyond
those involving the mouth.
For those
who develop gum disease, controlling blood sugar can become difficult, and they
could become more susceptible of heart disease. Some studies have also shown
gum disease could correlate with certain negative effects in pregnant women,
such as low birth weight, but further research must be done on this particular
subject.
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to make a dentist appointment but worried about the high cost of dental care?
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