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Tooth Enamel: Loss, Erosion, Treatment

enamel

What exactly is enamel of the teeth?

The thin layer of enamel that covers the outside of your teeth is known as the dentine of teeth because it is the toughest tissue in the human body. Hydroxyapatite is the predominant mineral found in tooth enamel, which makes up the majority of this substance. Enamel, which is semi-translucent and only contributes partially to the color of a person's teeth, might be light yellow, gray, or even a bluish-white tint. However, enamel's color is not the only factor that determines the color of a person's teeth. If enamel is damaged, the body will not be able to regenerate it because it does not contain any living cells. Once it's gone, there's no getting it back.

What functions does the tooth enamel serve?

Tooth enamel is an important component in our teeth's defense against tooth decay. Additionally, it assists in protecting them from the wear and strain that can be produced by regular activities including as chewing, biting, and grinding.

The formation of enamel as a considerable barrier helps to protect the interior layers of the teeth, such as the dentin, pulp, blood vessels, and nerves. It helps protect these internal structures against acidic substances and plaque, as well as hot and cold foods and drinks. Loss of enamel can expose the dentin and pulp layers of the teeth, which can then get damaged.

How can I tell whether the enamel on my teeth is wearing away?

It may be difficult to recognize the signs that your enamel is wearing away. Here are some of the most fundamental symptoms to look out for:

enamel

• Colour

It is possible that you have enamel erosion if you have noticed a change in the color of your teeth. Examine the surface of the tooth for a coating that is yellow or shiny.

• An increase in both pain and sensitivity

Increased dental sensitivity, which can ultimately result in pain, is one of the signs of enamel loss that is overlooked the most. Does it pain when you eat or drink something that is too hot, too cold, too sweet, or too cold and too hot? If it aches a lot, it's possible that you've progressed to a later stage of enamel erosion.

• The abrasive quality

Roughness around the borders of the teeth, cracks, chips, or indentations can all be signs of enamel loss in its early stages.

• Openness and honesty

Near the margins of the teeth, which are exposed when you bite, erosion can make the teeth appear see-through.

• Glistening flecks

Shiny patches are another early indicator that enamel is beginning to wear away. If you notice shiny patches on your teeth, then you may already be suffering the early stages of enamel erosion.

What causes enamel erosion?

Acids from the meals and drinks we consume are often to blame for enamel erosion, as they are the substances that can be found in our bodies. In a normal situation, the acid in your mouth would be neutralized by the saliva. On the other hand, your enamel will wear away over time if you consume a lot of acidic foods or beverages or if you often skip brushing your teeth. It's not a question of whether, but rather when it will happen.

If you are concerned about how much acidic food and drink you are getting into your body, you should consume the following in moderate amounts: Carbonated beverages, sweet foods such as ice cream, syrup, and caramel, starchy meals such as white bread and cake, and fruit juices (hello, erosion city!) are all bad for your teeth.

A dry mouth can also cause enamal erosion because saliva helps to neutralize the effects of acids on the teeth and gums. Dry mouth, which can lead to erosion of the teeth, is a side effect of taking some drugs on a regular basis. Antihistamines and aspirin are two examples of them.

Bruxism, which is the medical term for the habit of grinding one's teeth, will obviously wear away the enamel, as will acid reflux, which is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease and bulimia; both of these conditions cause stomach acid to reach the mouth.

Loss of enamel can be a symptom of acid reflux, generally referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition to causing enamel to deteriorate, the eating disorder bulimia causes individuals to purge their stomachs of food. The problem, which occurs in both scenarios, is that acid from the stomach is making its way into the mouth and damaging the teeth.

What's done is done; you can't get enamel back. In order to safeguard your smile, it is critical to practice good oral hygiene and take preventative actions before any enamel loss occurs. In the following part of this guide, we will discuss ways to protect your teeth from enamel erosion.

How do you avoid enamel loss?

You are in luck since there are a lot of preventative steps you can take to protect your enamel from wearing away. Here are some extra things you can do to maintain good oral hygiene, in addition to the obvious measures of brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist on a regular basis.

• Try to limit your intake of sugary foods!

It is absolutely necessary to emphasize this point. Sugar provides nourishment for the bacteria that live in your mouth, which in turn produce acids that erode enamel. Therefore, control your consumption. You should try to limit the quantity of added sugars in your diet and instead get your sugar from whole-food sources, such a piece of fruit. This is an excellent place to start.

• Chewing gum should be done after meals.

Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which in turn helps to neutralize stomach acids. After eating, choose a gum without sugar and chew it for at least half an hour in order to stimulate the production of digestive juices. It has been demonstrated that xylitol can lower the risk of tooth decay, making xylitol gum an excellent option.

• You must wait before you brush your teeth!

After eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner, do not rush to brush your teeth right away. Please wait a half hour before brushing your teeth, since doing so too soon can cause enamel to wear away. Choose a fluoride toothpaste to use when you do clean your teeth.

• Dairy products are a great way to round out your meal.

After you have finished eating, sip a glass of milk to help neutralize any stomach acid that may have been produced.

• Drink more water

Drinking more water will help you stay hydrated throughout the day, both inside and outside of your mouth. (That's just sound advise for pretty much everything there is to know about life.)

Is it possible to rebuild the enamel on teeth?

Even if your enamel has already begun to wear away, there is still a chance that it can be restored. While it is not possible to restore enamel, it is possible to slow the harm being done to it. Enamel can be made stronger by increasing the amount of minerals it contains.

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Enamel remineralization

Remineralization is a procedure that is used to strengthen enamel and restore the mineral content of teeth. Products that include high concentrations of calcium phosphate or fluoride assist remineralize the enamel in a natural way before it reaches a stage where it can no longer be repaired. This method is only useful in the beginning phases of the erosion process. You should be able to get the most out of the remineralization procedure even if the enamel of your teeth is just slightly compromised. Have a look at these tried-and-true home treatments.

  • You should brush your teeth at least twice every day. These steps eradicate the microorganisms that are to blame for the erosion. In addition, make sure to floss your teeth at least twice a day in order to eliminate plaque and avoid gum disease.
  • Brushing your teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride will help the process of reinforcing your teeth and will prevent further mineral loss.
  • Consume probiotics such as salivarius, rhamnosus, or reuteri.
  • Finally, gargle with a remineralizing mouthwash at least twice daily. (This phase in particular feels wonderful as well.)

If the condition of your teeth is such that remineralization would not help, you should make an appointment with a dentist to examine the other treatment options available to you. These may involve getting fillings done, getting veneers placed, or even getting crowns put on. Each each situation will be unique.

Finding a dentist in Summerlin, Nevada

It is essential to look for a dentist that you are comfortable with and can rely on. Begin with the two of us! Simply type your address into the search bar on the Summerlin Dental Solutions website to locate and book an appointment with Dr. Cohan. Plus you can use your dental insurance too. Therefore, let's put a stop to that erosion, shall we? Just keep a happy face in mind whenever you think of us.

 

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT!

 

GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN

Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.

summerlin dental solutions

With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning.  Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens.  She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.

Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.

 

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT!

851 S Rampart Blvd #230, Las Vegas, NV 89145 | (702) 341-9160
851 S Rampart Blvd #230, Las Vegas, NV 89145 | (702) 341-9160