A Quick Guide to Dental Erosion
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.
Need to make a dentist appointment but worried about the high cost of dental care? Our New Hampshire discount dental plancan help reduce those costs. For more information or to sign up for a plan, please click here.